Memphis Police Department officers made moves to keep the groups apart, subsequently issuing dispersal orders in response to streets being blocked illegally, according to a police narrative.

Additionally, Sawyer called for a reprimand of officers and the guiding of MPD Director Mike Rallings to “make sure there is an empathetic response…when these protests spill into the streets.”

Akinmoladun said he and 30 to 40 other educators involved assembled to have a silent protest, noting that he wished there was more he could do for Floyd’s family.

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“The intention of the protests was for all races – whites, blacks, latinos – to come together, honor George Floyd, honor the black kings and queens that continue to die to police brutality….

Floyd’s family, the city’s mayor and others are calling for the arrest of Derek Chauvin, the 19-year veteran officer who kept his knee against Floyd’s neck until he lost consciousness.