Minneapolis, Minnesota- Four years after the tragic killing of George Floyd, the streets are not as filled with protesters as before, but the memory of the event remains etched in the hearts of many.
Charles McMillian, who witnessed the incident on May 25, 2020, where a Minneapolis police officer kneeled on Floyd’s neck for over nine minutes, expressed his ongoing connection to Floyd during a commemorative gathering. McMillian emotionally shared, “I live with George Floyd with me every day. I will carry him to my grave with me because he is a part of me.”
Throughout the weekend, various events took place in Minneapolis to honor George Floyd, becoming an annual tradition for the city. One significant event was a solidarity rally organized by a coalition of activist organizations, where Floyd’s family and the family of Calvin Horton Jr., who was fatally shot by a pawn shop owner during the unrest following Floyd’s death, stood together, seeking justice.
As the remembrance activities unfolded, Trahern Crews, founder of Black Lives Matter Minnesota, highlighted the continued lack of justice in cases like Daunte Wright, Amir Locke, and Tekle Sundberg, emphasizing the need for accountability.
The event saw a diverse group of organizers, including Palestinian activists waving “Free Palestine” banners, emphasizing the importance of international solidarity in the fight against injustice and oppression.
Members of George Floyd’s family, who traveled from out of state, shared emotional moments with local organizers, underscoring the unity and support felt in Minneapolis for the ongoing fight against systemic racism and police brutality.
One of the poignant moments during the event was when Jamaican native Gloria Burnett, known as “Mama G,” reflected on the tragedy that brought neighbors together, fostering a stronger sense of community and mutual care among residents.
The weekend of remembrance also featured powerful performances by groups like the Andersen United Middle School step team, highlighting the resilience and determination of the community to create positive change in the memory of George Floyd.