LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX18 News) — A prayer vigil was held in Lexington Sunday morning to remember those who have been victims of police violence.
The vigil took place between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. outside the Fayette County Circuit Courthouse.
“I fully support the protesters but I wanted this to be about honoring the victims and mourning them. I love that they have sparked these protests but I also want them to know that we love them and will miss them forever," said Marianne Montgomery, who organized the vigil.
Several people led prayer during the event, including Nikki Brown, professor of history and African-American studies at the University of Kentucky. She took the moment to speak out loud the names of a few victims, including Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery.
“Breonna Taylor was an EMT and an essential worker. She had dreams and goals just like all of us and so did George Floyd and so did Ahmaud Arbery and so it’s important to not just remember how they died. The purpose of a vigil is to remember how they lived," said Brown.
Participants lit candles and some held signs reading "Black Lives Matter." At one point during the vigil, everyone took a knee for 8 minutes and 46 seconds to honor George Floyd, who was killed while in Minneapolis Police custody.
