Vigil To Honor Victims Of Atlanta Spa Shooting, Protest Racism

SARASOTA, FL — In response to the recent Atlanta spa shootings, where eight people, six of them Asian women, were killed, and other acts of racial violence, the Leaders Rights Organization will host a “Stop Asian and Latine Hate Vigil & Rally” Tuesday, 7 p.m., at 1199 N. Washington Blvd. in Sarasota.

“Help us light candles and lend our voices in a peaceful space to grieve, heal and support each other through the recent wave of racial violence in Atlanta and towards elders,” a LRO flyer for the gathering. “We are in solidarity against the legacy of white violence all over the world, and we support Black liberation and all the intersecting identities of women, the LGBT community, immigrants, refugees, those who are unsheltered, undocumented and (sex) workers, disabled people, the 99 (percent), and everyone who continues to be oppressed by capitalism.”

Because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will be followed, the organization said. Attendees are asked to wear masks and observe social distancing guidelines.

Musicians are encouraged to bring their instruments and perform at the rally.

The Leaders Rights Organization was founded in February 2020 by a group that wanted to give back to the community. Their primary focus has been feeding the homeless and hungry in Sarasota and Manatee counties. They meet weekly to distribute food to those in need.

After the death of George Floyd at the hands of police in Minneapolis in May, the LRO participated in and led peaceful protests throughout the Sarasota community.

Learn more about the organization at its Facebook page.