Claflin University to Host "A Day of Reflection" Virtual Memorial in Honor of George Floyd

Claflin University will host "A Day of Reflection," a virtual memorial for the disproportionate number of African Americans killed while in the custody of or being pursued by law enforcement personnel, on Friday, June 19, at 10 a.m. The ceremony will be available at Claflin University’s YouTube Channel (www.youtube.com/ClaflinUniversity1).

During the program, a video presentation will serve as a special tribute to George Floyd, who was killed recently by a Minneapolis, Minnesota, police officer, and several other victims of racially-motivated hate crimes. Claflin's "A Day of Reflection," coincides with Juneteenth, the nation's oldest holiday that celebrates the end of slavery. On June 19, 1865, slaves in Galveston, Texas learned of their freedom after the reading of The Emancipation Proclamation.

Claflin's Center for Social Justice provided the leadership for organizing this year's event. The Center, which officially launched last month, aligns with the University's legacy of providing high-quality academic programs to all students – regardless of ethnic origin, gender, race, or religion – for more than 150 years.