A Mario Woods candlelight vigil took place in the Bayview on Friday to commemorate the encounter that led to his death a year ago at the hands of San Francisco police. On December 2, 2015, Woods, a suspect in a stabbing, was lethally shot by officers who'd tried to use pepper spray and beanbag rounds to subdue him.
A group of community members supported by the Justice For Mario Woods Coalition and Mario's mother Gwen Woods, kicked off the ceremony at MLK Park in Bayview at 3rd Street between Armstrong and Carroll at 3:30pm.
"Over a year ago, I created this coalition, said Felicia Jones of the Wealth and Disparities in the Black Community. "We, the people, got Chief Suhr fired. We, the people, worked with the Board of Supervisors to deem July 22nd Mario Woods Day."
Jones called for the city to charge the police who shot Woods with murder and for SFPD to be investigated.
"I know that after a year things have died down, but we are not okay with this," she said. "The killings of our black men and women need to stop. The District Attorney needs to do his job." Her organization has organized a forum with DA George Gascon for next week, where "he's going to have to answer to us," she said.
After a brief presentation on the intent of the peaceful protest, the group made their way down Third Street to Fitzgerald Avenue. As they marched on Muni's T-line tracks chanting, more community members joined, and cars driving by honked their horns in support.
Gwen Woods expressed her gratitude to all the attendees.
"I love you all for loving Mario so much," she said. "Thank you for showing up and showing out. Thank you for letting the city know that we are not complacent, and we won't become complacent. We can't move mountains if we are divided."
As the sun set, attendees shared remarks while sipping hot cider. A bouquet of red, white and black balloons - Mario's favorite colors - was released to the sky.
To learn more about the Justice for Mario Woods Foundation, visit their Facebook page. Next Tuesday, the foundation is leading a community forum with DA Gascon at 6pm at 250 Rhode Island St.
