George Floyd honored 5 years after death
Hundreds gathered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to hold a candlelight vigil marking the fifth anniversary of George Floyd's death, part of a three-day festival titled "Rise and Remember" honoring his life. Floyd, a father of five, was killed by former police officer Derek Chauvin in 2020, an event that sparked global protests demanding racial justice.
The vigil featured tombstones bearing the names of individuals killed by police across the U.S., highlighting the personal connections many attendees had to these victims. Cormac Bartlett, another participant, expressed the importance of remembering those lost, stating, "George Floyd was just one of them."
Despite widespread protests following Floyd's murder, U.S. Congress has yet to pass significant legislation aimed at curbing racial profiling or police violence. Recently, the Justice Department under President Donald Trump dismissed police reform agreements in Minneapolis and Louisville, where Breonna Taylor was killed during a botched raid.
Floyd's aunt, Angela Harrelson, urged unity among supporters during her speech at the vigil, calling for solidarity in the fight for racial justice. In Chicago, similar demonstrations took place, organized by the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, as part of a national day of action. Speakers at the Chicago rally highlighted both the progress made since 2020 and the ongoing challenges, particularly in light of recent federal actions perceived as undermining diversity and equity initiatives.
Nationwide, protests also included actions by Black faith leaders outside Target stores, criticizing the company's reduction of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. The anniversary of Floyd's death served as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial equality and the necessity of sustained activism to achieve meaningful change.
