Community unites to honor Philando Castile's legacy ten years after tragedy
Philando Castile Remembrance Days bring people together in Falcon Heights
On Tuesday evening, July 7, 2026, community members gathered on the lawn outside Falcon Heights City Hall for free food, cross-cultural entertainment, and kids activities in honor of Philando Castile, who was killed by a police officer ten years ago.
The event, held every year on July 7 as a citywide Unity Day , followed a Restoration Day candle light vigil held at the Philando Castile Peace Garden on July 6. These two annual “Philando Castile Remembrance Days,” are recognized by the state of Minnesota, in effort to “remember Philando Castile and the countless others who have lost their lives to police violence by working toward a future where everyone is treated with dignity, respect, and equality under the law.”
After a brief welcome from Valerie Castile, Philando’s mother and the event organizer, various artists ranging from poets to violin players, Aztec dancers, and small bands, performed in front of a canopy on the lawn. Kids got their faces painted, blew bubbles on the grass, and threw paper airplanes across the yard. Family and community members lined up for free dinner from Logan’s Catfish food truck. Over 100 attendees socialized, shared memories, and listened to the performers on blankets and chairs.
“What I hope people feel today, is the power of support and community…the power of coming together and breaking bread. We do this every year. It’s beautiful to see this many faces coming out, and being together, to recognize the life that was tragically lost," shared Allysza Castile, Philando’s sister, in the food truck line with her kids.
Alongside the activities, members from Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Minneapolis-St. Paul chapter offered opportunities for voter registration and handed out a sticker that said, "I will vote."
Philando Castile, the unifying focus of the event, was fondly referred to as “Mr. Rogers with dreadlocks,” according to the Friends of the Philando Castile Peace Garden story. He was well known and loved by his family, his community, and children in the St. Paul School system through his roles in cafeteria management. His death on July 6, 2019, at a traffic stop, sent a shock through the community.
After digesting the news and growing awareness of racial disparity through neighborhood conversations, Dr. Georgiana May, Board Chair of the Friends of the Philando Castile Peace Garden shared, “that’s when I started thinking, okay…you really need to step up and step into this.”
Following the lead of Valerie Castile and their strong family network, community members like Georgiana May have joined in efforts to commemorate his death, honor his legacy of care and concern for children, and to advocate for peace, healing, and justice over the last decade. The Unity Day gathering serves as testament to their efforts, year after year.
In addition to the event recognition, Philando Castile’s legacy lives on through the Friends of the Philando Castile Peace Garden and the Philando Castile Foundation. The Foundation is centered around care for families who have lost loved ones at the hands of law enforcement, eliminating food insecurity in lunch debt relief, and ongoing civic engagement.
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