Photo Essay: Balloon Release for Nigel Phillips, 26-Year-Old Killed in the Custody of Omaha Police

0
3409

Hannah Michelle Bussa
News Editor

Members of the community gathered Saturday to remember the life of Nigel Phillips. Photo courtesy of Hannah Michelle Bussa/The Gateway.

Revolutionary Action Party (RAP) co-founder Nigel Phillips died in the custody of the Omaha Police Department on June 10. RAP live-streamed a press release Friday in response to Phillips’ death.

Members of Phillips’ family and the community gathered Saturday for a balloon release near the site where Phillips died. Family members spoke through tears and embraces about the always-smiling, loving person they knew.

Caption: People gathered on Laurel Ave. near where Phillips got into a car crash Thursday. Photo courtesy of Hannah Michelle Bussa/The Gateway.
Phillips’ sister gathered people so family members could speak. Photo courtesy of Hannah Michelle Bussa/The Gateway.
Speakers prayed and shared memories of Phillips. Some members of RAP, a group Phillips was a founding member of, were there to release balloons for Phillips. Photo courtesy of Hannah Michelle Bussa/The Gateway.
Family members spoke through emotions to remember Phillips. After a moment of silence, the group released their balloons to honor Phillips. Photo courtesy of Hannah Michelle Bussa/The Gateway.
The balloons being released. Photo courtesy of Hannah Michelle Bussa/The Gateway.
The balloons flying into the sky. Photo courtesy of Hannah Michelle Bussa/The Gateway.
The crowd gathered on Laurel Ave. watched as the balloons flew into the sky for Phillips. Photo courtesy of Hannah Michelle Bussa/The Gateway.
After the balloons were released, Phillips’ sister invited those gathered into the backyard, where Phillips died. The family spoke and asked people to talk to others about what they are going through. Photo courtesy of Hannah Michelle Bussa/The Gateway.

 

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR