Remembering Philando Castile

Friday, July 6 marks two years since the deadly police shooting of Philando Castile in Falcon Heights, Minnesota. The city is taking action to mark the date, adopting a resolution proclaiming July 6 as Restoration Day and July 7 as Unity Day.

Philando Castile was shot and killed by Officer Jeronimo Yanez on July 6, 2016. A year later, Officer Yanez was acquitted of second-degree manslaughter and two counts of dangerous discharge of a firearm. Afterwards, the video footage that the ACLU of Minnesota fought to get released was finally made public. In the video, you see Castile shot unnecessarily by the frantic police officer in front of his girlfriend and her 4-year-old daughter.

According to the city, “the proclamation will become a component of healing, grant respect to Philando Castile’s family, while at the same time serve to improve the quality community engagement within the city by its residents, businesses, and guests..”

“That means the world to me,” Valerie Castile, Philando’s mother, told Fox 9. “So important that we keep his legacy alive, his spirit alive. With those two days of commemoration. I really applaud Falcon Heights, honoring him those two days.”

Restoration Day is about taking personal action and steps to build or restore relationships. Suggestions include meeting a neighbor, repairing a strained friendship or relationship or starting a conversation with someone you may not naturally interact with.

Unity Day is about demonstrating the healing process and community connection. Suggestions include block parties or citywide gatherings.

Philando Castile’s legacy has continued with a crowdfunding campaign called Philando Feeds the Children. The goal was to raise $5,000 to wipe out lunch debt for students at JJ Hill Montessori, where Castile worked as a nutrition supervisor and often paid for students who didn't have enough lunch money out of his own pocket.