PHOTOS: Two Fort Thomas Mothers Organize Moment of Silence

Members of the Fort Thomas community kneel while observing a moment of silence.

A moment of silence organized by the NAACP was observed Thursday afternoon by several members of the Fort Thomas community. This was an event that took place nationwide and the local observation was organized by two Fort Thomas residents, Tabitha Tolliver and Kristen Banocy.

The community came together at 3:45 p.m. and knelt in silence for 8 minutes and 46 seconds...the same amount of time that 46-year-old George Floyd was held down by Minneapolis policeman Derek Chauvin in Minnesota. Officer Chauvin was kneeling on George Floyd's neck during this time. George Floyd died during the incident.

The idea came about from a conversation between two Fort Thomas mothers who wanted to take action.

"Tabitha and I had a conversation yesterday about paying our respect to the moment and George Floyd," said Kristen. "The NAACP put out a call for a moment of silence at 3:45. We decided to gather a few families and pay our respects at that time. Honestly, it has grown organically."

The event drew around 100 people and was held at the corner of South Fort Thomas Avenue and Glenway Avenue. After the moment of silence, there was a march through town. "We all have a role and have the power to make our community and the country a better place for our friends, family, neighbors, and especially our kids," said Tolliver. "Let’s join together as that - friends, family, neighbors - and be part of the solution. Let’s gather to support our black community members, listen and support them, and to educate ourselves so we are more aware of the issues and how we can help."

When asked what they hoped people would learn from the demonstration, Banocy emphasized change. "Racism and white privilege are institutionalized in our country, and it’s going to take all of us to bring about change. It’s going to take all of us, both in our homes and communities, working together to change the system," she said.

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