Five years after George Floyd’s murder by a Minneapolis police officer, the square named in his honor drew a large gathering on Sunday, highlighting ongoing calls for justice. Hundreds of visitors dropped flowers at the memorial site, reflecting on the anniversary with tears and renewed resolve. Bridgette Stewart, a local journalist and activist, noted a significant change in community sentiment, reporting a newfound calm and collaboration, contrasting previous years marked by heightened security concerns.
School principal Ximena Rayo acknowledged that while progress has been made with new personnel and initiatives from city leadership, more work is needed. Observers, like photographer Billy Briggs, expressed mixed emotions surrounding the anniversary, noting the importance of educating families about systemic racism while grappling with past trauma.
Floyd’s high-profile death on May 25, 2020, catalyzed global protests against racial injustice, with “I can’t breathe” becoming a rallying cry for change. Actions taken include significant police reforms in Minneapolis, though some activists, like civil rights attorney Nekima Levy Armstrong, stress that the conditions leading to Floyd’s death persist. They call for new leadership and substantial policy changes to ensure justice for Black residents.
City Council member Andrea Jenkins highlighted the mood at George Floyd Square as reflective yet optimistic, citing new city initiatives like the Office of Public Safety and behavioral crisis response teams. Nevertheless, she acknowledged that while steps have been taken, they may not suffice, as broader systemic issues linger. Ultimately, the community expressed a blend of somber remembrance and a determination to continue advocating for justice and systemic reform. The anniversary served as both a moment of reflection and a clarion call for continued activism in the fight against racial injustice.
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