(Facebook/Chris Juhn/MSR News)Today, July 6, marks the two-year anniversary of the shooting death of Philando Castile. Castile was killed during a routine traffic stop in Falcon Heights, MN. From vigils and protests to artwork and exhibits, the state continues to mourn and celebrate the memory of the late St. Paul Public Schools cafeteria supervisor. The City of Falcon Heights has joined in honoring his memory by declaring July 6, as “Restoration Day” and July 7 as “Unity Day.”
According to KSTP, the two-day proclamation was spearheaded by Falcon Heights City Council member Melanie Leehy.
“You can’t talk about restoration unless you look back,” she told the station. “Restore contact with your neighbor or a family member or a friend. Do something restorative.”
The City says the “proclamation will become a component of healing, grant respect to Philando Castile’s family, while at the same time serve to improve the quality community engagement within the city by its residents, businesses, and guests.”
Castile’s mother Valerie applauds the City for their efforts. “That means the world to me,” she told Fox 9 in a recent interview. “[It is] so important that we keep his legacy alive, his spirit alive with those two days of commemoration.”
A candlelight vigil will be held tonight at 8:15 pm at a memorial site on Larpenteur Avenue near the Minnesota State Fairgrounds where Castile was shot. A community barbecue and commemoration will be hosted Saturday, July 7, in Falcon Heights from 5 to 8:30 pm.
See also: Castile exhibit at Mia intersects art and activism
Stephenetta Harmon is the editor-in-chief at the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder and founder of Sadiaa, the first US-based directory dedicated to Black-owned hair and beauty businesses. She can be reached at sharmon@spokesman-recorder.com.