Cerritos City Councilman Frank Yokoyama organized a vigil for peace and justice at the Cerritos Civic Center, Friday evening, June 5th.
“I am proud to be unified with my sister The Honorable Artesia Councilmember Melissa Ramoso and my brother The Honorable Former Cerritos Mayor Mark Pulido in a stand for solidarity with our Black Sisters and Brothers against police brutality, injustice, and institutionalized racism in America.,” said Yokoyama,” I believe all people of conscience have a moral imperative to stand up, organize and fight for what is right.”
The evening began with recitations from Asha, Ayanna, and Acacia Greenidge of what it means to be a young child in this current chaos. The most poignant was delivered by six-year-old Acacia, which began “I thought the police were good, I thought I was safe…”
Yokoyama remarked how proud he was of the City of Cerritos for coming together and embracing the diversity of the community and recognizing Black residents with the annual Martin Luther King ceremony. “But we are all here tonight because we all understand that more needs to be done.” In his remarks, Yokoyama, not being able to hold back his emotion, quoted Martin Luther King Jr by saying “Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.”
Yokoyama went on to say that he believed that everyone in attendance had chosen to walk in the light of creative altruism – being charged with the mission of finding unique ways to selflessly serve others. “I’m humbled that you have all come this evening to this vigil for George Floyd and all of those that lost their lives without reason.”
Sunflowers were passed out, candles were lit in remembrance and 8 minutes and 46 seconds were held in silence and personal reflection.
