WUFT News News and Public Media for North Central Florida from the University of Florida in Gainesville
A day before the one-year anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy in Orlando, members of the Gainesville community gathered in Bo Diddley Plaza to remember the victims of the massacre. More than 200 people marched as part of the Equality March for Unity and Pride, part of a nationwide network of similar marches Sunday.
A couple dozen people out here for the Equality March for Unity and Pride. @WUFTNews pic.twitter.com/08f00LvI3n
— Daniela Hurtado (@DaniCHurtado_) June 11, 2017
The march culminated in a rally in the plaza downtown, where community members, faith leaders and other speakers spoke, perform and shared messages of love and support for the victims and survivors of Pulse and for members of the LGBTQ community.
“This march will hopefully show people that we stand together,” said Reverend Catherine Dearlove of Trinity Metropolitan Community Church Of Gainesville. “We have to put the voice of love louder than the voice of hate.”
Speakers talk about honoring the Pulse victims. @WUFTNews pic.twitter.com/QYPKEWjcKS
— Daniela Hurtado (@DaniCHurtado_) June 11, 2017
Among the chants and cheers of the marchers, many remember the 49 victims at Pulse. During the ceremony, each victim’s name was read outloud, as the crowd at Bo Diddley Plaza fell silent.
“The Pulse massacre was something that affected people across the nation and the world, ” said Gainesville District 2 Commissioner Harvey Ward.
Gainesville District 2 City Commission Candidate, Harvey Ward, tells @DaniCHurtado_ what he hopes for the GNV community. @WUFTNews pic.twitter.com/zQ1yq6hqKg
— Nicolette Perdomo (@nickiperdomo) June 11, 2017
There was also a memorial Monday night at Usler Hall on the University of Florida campus
