Community members gathered Saturday at the Wilder Recreation Center to mark the anniversary of Demetrius Hill’s death, a Black man who was shot by St.Paul Police in 1997.

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Safiya Mohamed reports:  

This Saturday, community members gathered at the Wilder Recreation Center to honor the 24th anniversary of Demetrius Hill’s death, a Black man who was shot by St.Paul Police in 1997.

Katie Wright, the mother of Daunte Wright, was present at the event along with other families who’ve lost their loved ones to police violence. 

“I don't know if there's ever really going to be justice,” Wright said. “We can get accountability. We can get our loved ones' murderers held to the highest accountability, but there's never going to be real justice for anyone.” 

Minnesota State Representative John Thompson was also present. He said he was there to show his support and to encourage people to vote. 

“I want people to know that we're important,” he said. “Our families are important, our communities are important, our votes are important, our voices are important.” 

Thompson hopes that attendees will feel inspired by these gatherings and will go out and be the change in their communities. 

“We have to put our faces and our voices in places that matter,” Thompson said. “If we're not at the table, we're on the menu and eventually we’re on the plate and we’ve been getting eaten up for years here.”

Attendee Faith Allen hopes events like this remind the community that healing is possible and that they are not alone. 

“Healing from the trauma that the families are going through,” Allen said, “and to let them know that we are here for you - to see growth.” 

The event was hosted by Families Supporting Families Against Police Violence.