George Floyd Memorial: Reflection & Calm 5 Years On
- Minneapolis observed the fifth anniversary of George Floyd's death on Sunday,with community members,activists,and city officials reflecting on progress made and the work that remains in addressing systemic racism...
- The "Rise & Remember Festival" took place over the weekend, honoring Floyd and others who organizers say were unjustly lost to systemic racism.Colorful flowers adorned floyd's memorial.
- billy Briggs, a photographer and resident near George Floyd Square, spoke of the anxiety leading up to the anniversary, recalling the trauma of that day.
five years after George Floyd’s death, Minneapolis reflects on progress toward racial justice and police reform. Community members,activists,and city officials gathered to commemorate the anniversary,sharing mixed emotions of reflection and remembrance at George floyd Square.Photographer Billy Briggs recalls the trauma, emphasizing the importance of the lessons taught there, while civil rights attorney Nekima Levy Armstrong calls for further change, citing ongoing incidents affecting Black residents. City Council member Andrea Jenkins highlights the strides made, including the integration of public safety departments. Explore the lasting impact of Floyd’s death and the ongoing fight for equality. News Directory 3 provides further coverage. Discover what’s next for the community.
Minneapolis Commemorates George Floyd Anniversary Amid Calls for Continued Racial Justice
Minneapolis observed the fifth anniversary of George Floyd’s death on Sunday,with community members,activists,and city officials reflecting on progress made and the work that remains in addressing systemic racism and police reform.
George Floyd Square with flowers marking the fifth anniversary of his death.”>The “Rise & Remember Festival” took place over the weekend, honoring Floyd and others who organizers say were unjustly lost to systemic racism.Colorful flowers adorned floyd’s memorial.
billy Briggs, a photographer and resident near George Floyd Square, spoke of the anxiety leading up to the anniversary, recalling the trauma of that day. He began photographing the square as a way to cope.
“When I watch families park in front of my house, walking over there [the square], sometimes it brings me a little bit tearful, as I know they’re going over for a hard lesson, but an critically importent one,” Briggs said.“And I’m just glad that people are still coming and bringing their families here to teach that lesson.”
Floyd’s death on May 25, 2020, after Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for over nine minutes, sparked global protests and calls for police reform.Chauvin was convicted of murder and civil rights violations.Minneapolis later banned police chokeholds, and corporations pledged billions toward racial equity initiatives.
Memorials were also held in Houston and Brooklyn, New York. In Brooklyn, Floyd’s brother hosted a march and unveiled a community plaque.
nekima Levy Armstrong, a civil rights attorney, recalled her horror upon seeing the footage of Floyd’s death. ”I knew that I witnessed what felt like a lynching,” Armstrong said.
Armstrong believes the conditions that led to Floyd’s death persist. She expressed disappointment that more important changes haven’t been implemented. “We got crumbs when we asked for a whole feast, and that’s why we’re in a standstill as a city right now,” she said.
Armstrong called for new leadership in Minneapolis,including a new mayor and police chief,to reform the police department. “Why are incidents still happening to Black residents? Why are they still not getting justice? why are they still fearful?” she asked.
City Council member Andrea Jenkins described the atmosphere at George Floyd Square as a mix of somber reflection and joyful remembrance. “I think people are feeling mixed emotions of all of those things,” Jenkins said.
Jenkins highlighted the creation of the Office of public Safety, integrating the police, fire, and emergency management departments, and also a behavioral crisis response team. “For a long time, I felt like Minneapolis Police Department was on an island out there by themselves…but now it feels like we pulled them back into the city enterprise,” Jenkins said.
While acknowledging that policy changes haven’t been sufficient, Jenkins believes the city is on the right path, though she noted that the current federal government is hindering progress. “Little progress, and then we regress,” Jenkins said.