LAPD Joins Prayer Vigil On Steps Of City Hall To Honor George Floyd

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — Sunday marked a heartfelt morning in the city as Los Angeles Police Department Chief Michel Moore joined dozens for a prayer vigil and conversation about enacting change.

Moore, joined by members of Building Blue Bridges, marched from the LAPD headquarters to City Hall in honor of George Floyd.

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Floyd's dying words, "Please, please, I can't breathe," which have become a rallying cry for Black Lives Matter protesters worldwide, was read aloud on the steps of City Hall.

The event was held by Building Blue Bridges, an organization at L.A. city schools that is aimed at bridging the gap between young people and the LAPD.

"It was definitely a big step for change. It is definitely one step towards overall change," said Jaylen Wilson, a member of the group. "I used to be [scared of officers] but now it feels more inclusive. I can talk to them without having to feel anxious."

Wanita Long, another member, stressed the importance of having an open dialogue.

"Communication is key. That's the only way we're going to get anywhere by talking about it. I feel that if we all just communicate and really sit down and put everything out on the table, we could get somewhere with it," Long said.

Following the public event, the group moved indoors for a private discussion with Moore.

"Let George Floyd's death not serve as a passing moment. Let it serve as a turning point that these young people 10, 20, 30 years from now can say, 'That was the point,'" Moore said.

Building Blue Bridges was founded by Daphne Bradford about three years ago and is now in three different schools with about 400 participating students.