This evening a vigil was held near Max Square, La Grande. 30 people gathered to contemplate the deaths of more than 130 African Americans nationwide at the hands of police since the first of the year-- and the deaths of policemen at the hands of African Americans. Reading of names, candle light, heart ache - all present this evening. The vigil was sponsored by Racial Justice in Eastern Oregon, Oregon Rural Action and the Multi Cultural Center of EOU.
On Friday, June 24th, Zion Lutheran together with Union County (PFLAG) Parents Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays sponsored a vigil for the victims of the shooting in Orlando cooperation with La Grande United Methodist, St. Thomas Episcopal and Oregon Rural Action. There was a moment of silence, and a reading of the names of the victims with a candle lighting, followed by reflections from members of the community and a reception.