George Floyd 5 Years On: Racial Inequality Worsens
- five years after George Floyd's murder by Minneapolis police sparked nationwide protests and a sense of hope for racial justice, some observers argue that Black America is, in...
- The summer of 2020 saw companies like Pepsi and McDonald's publicly declare their commitment to racial equity, and marches took place across the globe.
- Some contend that white nationalists exploited the protests to sow discord and undermine the movement.
Five years after George Floyd’s murder, the quest for racial justice faces a harsh reality: Black America may be in a worse state. This News Directory 3 report uncovers how initial momentum from the Black Lives Matter movement and corporate DEI commitments has faded – even reversed in certain areas. We dissect the waning public support, the exploitation of protests by white nationalist groups, and the setbacks faced by diversity initiatives. While the summer of 2020 promised change, this analysis reveals a complex landscape where self-reliance is proposed as a way forward. Discover what’s next in the fight for equality.
Is Black America Worse Off Five Years After George Floyd’s Murder?
Updated May 26, 2025
five years after George Floyd’s murder by Minneapolis police sparked nationwide protests and a sense of hope for racial justice, some observers argue that Black America is, in some ways, worse off. Despite initial corporate commitments to fighting racial injustice and widespread support for the Black Lives Matter movement, progress appears to have stalled, and in some areas, reversed.
The summer of 2020 saw companies like Pepsi and McDonald’s publicly declare their commitment to racial equity, and marches took place across the globe. The Pew Research Center reported that two-thirds of Americans supported the Movement for Black Lives, and 70% of white Americans were engaging in conversations about racial inequity.
However, this period of apparent progress was short-lived. Some contend that white nationalists exploited the protests to sow discord and undermine the movement. While then-President Trump suggested Black people and Antifa were behind the violence, reports indicate that white supremacist groups, including the Proud Boys and the KKK, played a significant role in instigating violence during the George Floyd protests.The focus shifted away from the initial goals of the protests, notably after the “defund the police” movement gained traction, leading to a decline in public support for Black Lives Matter and a backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Support for BLM has decreased, DEI programs are reportedly fading, and police brutality continues. Some believe that relying on white sympathy is insufficient and that Black communities must focus on their own resilience and ability to persevere.
What’s next
Moving forward, some observers suggest that the Black community should focus on self-reliance and internal strength rather than depending on external support for progress in the fight for racial justice and equality.