This Saturday, Oxford citizens are being invited to gather in front of City Hall on the Square for a Candlelight Vigil and Peaceful Protest in light of recent events involving police shootings of African American men and violence directed at law enforcement in response.

The effort is being headed up by LaToya Faulk and Rachel Johnson who said they planned the event to give local people a place to come together to grieve and lean on each other for support, while peacefully sending a message that change is needed.

We applaud these women for bringing the community together in a peaceful way to shed light on these social issues.

They haven’t been alone in their endeavor. City of Oxford employees have also worked hand-in-hand with the committee to make sure the area around City Hall is roped off and will help set up a working sound system. The Oxford Police Department assisted them in getting the right permit to hold their event and expressed their support.

Others have donated candles for the candlelight vigil.

Before the event even begins at 7 p.m. Saturday, it has already accomplished bringing Oxford citizens and their local government and police department together to work toward a common goal — being a united community.