Protest at Sherman Circle (photo: L Sadauskas)

Area residents and families have been gathering at local parks to show support for the ongoing protests in DC, around the country and around the world against police brutality, in support of equality and to shout out that Black Lives Matter.

Two groups that have stated their intention to keep the demonstrations going are meeting at the Meditation Park at 13th and Quincy and at Sherman Circle in the early evenings starting at 5pm.

There is no curfew on Thursday night, according to the Mayor’s office.

Organizers say these demonstrations are meant for families, for those who are unable to protest downtown, and those who want to show their support locally in their communities. Participants are encouraged to make their own signs and show up between 5pm and 7pm.

On Thursday at Sherman Circle, organizers are encouraging people to bring drums and musical instruments as they read off the names of people murdered by law enforcement since Eric Garner, and taking a knee.

On June 5th, people are encouraged to join churches in 16th Street Heights as they gather for a silent vigil from 5-6pm, with an 8 minute, 46-second period of silence and bell ringing at 5:45pm.

RSPV (optional) https://bit.ly/16thStreetVigilJune5

16th STREET VIGIL AGAINST RACISM BLACK LIVES MATTER TO [GOD AND TO] US!

Friday, June 5th 5 – 6 p.m. We invite people from all houses of worship on 16th Street (and those nearby)—and our neighbors-- to join us for a physically distant vigil. We ask you to cover the blocks of 16th Street (both sides) near your place of worship or home, maintaining a distance of 6 feet and wearing masks. If the blocks near you are covered, please move to another location on 16th Street. Our hope is to cover as much of 16th Street as possible, bearing witness to the love that grounds us as people of faith and good will. Please bring a sign.

Bell ringing at 5:45 p.m. If your place of worship has bells, we invite you to toll them, beginning at 5:45 p.m. and lasting 8 minutes, 46 seconds, in remembrance of the brutal killing of George Floyd.

Those standing on 16th Street may kneel during the tolling of the bells. If prayer is your practice, you are invited to be in silent prayer for the transformation of this country, particularly for the dismantling of racist structures and practices.

Please call Rev. Rob Keithen (All Souls Unitarian) or Rev. Renata Eustis (Christ Lutheran) 202-487-7400 if you have questions. And please spread the word as widely as you can.