Photographed by Quint Scott
Dozens of people–ranging in age, gender, sexual orientation and ethnicity–gathered in Forsyth park at 8 p.m. for a vigil for victims of the Orlando, Pulse nightclub, shooting.
First City Network (FCN), which is an LGBT advocacy group in Savannah, hosted the event, with Board Chairman Billie Wooten offering some words. Wooten was joined by the Savannah Chatham Country Metropolitan Police Department and the clergy in speaking about the tragedy.
The event ended with everyone joining hands in prayer and song. Wooten led the crowd in singing “This Little Light of Mine” and “God Bless America.”
Owner of Pulse nightclub, Barbara Poma, wrote on the website home page:
“Like everyone in the country, I am devastated about the horrific events that have taken place today. Pulse, and the men and women who work there, have been my family for nearly 15 years. From the beginning, Pulse has served as a place of love and acceptance for the LGBTQ community. I want to express my profound sadness and condolences to all who have lost loved ones. Please know that my grief and heart are with you.”
Cities across the U.S. have been holding vigils for the Orlando victims, which according to the Orlando Sentinel, 50 of which are dead and 53 injured.
Those that spoke at the Forsyth vigil emphasized the importance of not letting the effort stop at just prayers but taking action towards effecting a change and ending such violence.
Wooten encouraged those who are able to, to donate blood and/or proceeds to a gofundme account set up for the victims families.
For more information and for updates visit the Orlando Sentinel website.
Written by Asli Shebe.
Asli Shebe is a senior writing major from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. She began working for District in 2014 as a staff writer, then copy editor, A&E editor, Chief Assignment editor and finally, Editor-in-Chief in 2017. Asli currently holds the record for obtaining the most job titles during her time at District. When she’s not writing for District you can find her biking around the Historic District of Savannah at odd hours of the day.
