Dozens of people attended a candlelight vigil for the late George Floyd at Allentown Center Square on June 19.

Floyd died after a Minneapolis police officer held his knee on Floyd’s neck for more than 8 minutes.

Members of Allentown City Council, Lehigh County, state Reps. Mike Schlossberg, D-132nd, Peter Schweyer, D-22nd, and Congresswoman Susan Wild, D-7th, were all in attendance at the event to share a uniform message.

“All came with one message that there is only one race - the human race,” said Mohammad Khaku with Emgage, Empowering Engaged Muslims.

According to Khaku, the Muslim communities in the Lehigh Valley have always had positive relations with local police departments.

Khaku said they respect law enforcement and the judicial system, but they want the system to be nondiscriminatory.

Wild also spoke at the event.

“I am so moved by our community’s ability to join together and demand better, and I am thankful to Emgage and the Muslim community for standing shoulder to shoulder with their Black brothers and sisters,” Wild said. “This beautiful and peaceful vigil includes people from every walk of life - every religion, every race, every gender - standing in solidarity with our Black community, acknowledging the pain of George Floyd’s death, and the pain of racism and intolerance in our society.”

Once everyone gathered at the Allentown Center Square, the vigil began with readings from the Quran followed by the candlelight vigil.

The vigil followed recommended coronavirus safety guidelines throughout the event with social distancing and masks.

Emgage and sponsors handed out water to those who needed to hydrate.

“I’m asking citizens of Lehigh Valley on the behalf of all sponsors this is your moment to step into leadership and collective humanity to create our cities, towns and counties where every member is valued and has the opportunity to thrive,” Khaku said. “Now is our time to dedicate ourselves to the work of eliminating racism.”