Five years ago, the name George Floyd became a global symbol of injustice, sparking a movement that reshaped conversations about race, policing, and systemic inequality. On May 25, 2020, a Minneapolis police officer killed Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man, by kneeling on his neck for over nine minutes. The incident, captured on video, ignited protests across the United States and beyond, with millions demanding justice and reform. As we approach the fifth anniversary of this tragedy, the world reflects on what has changed—and what hasn’t. From Minneapolis to small towns, Floyd’s death continues to influence communities, policies, and hearts. Let’s dive into the latest developments surrounding his legacy, exploring how far we’ve come and the challenges that remain.
George Floyd Square: A Place of Healing and Debate
In Minneapolis, the corner of 38th and Chicago—now known as George Floyd Square—remains a living memorial. Recent reports highlight a shift in its atmosphere. Youth activist Jerome Richardson notes that the site, once heavy with grief, now hosts moments of joy and celebration. Community events, like those planned for this weekend to mark the anniversary, include murals, music, and storytelling projects aimed at preserving Floyd’s impact. A new initiative with StoryCorps, launched by the city, records personal stories from those touched by the events of 2020, ensuring voices endure.
Yet, the square faces challenges. Local businesses struggle, caught in a five-year debate over its future. Some owners report declining revenue due to ongoing protests and uncertainty about transforming the site into a permanent memorial. The city council and mayor remain at odds, with no clear plan, leaving merchants like one who aided in convicting Floyd’s killer forced to relocate. Minneapolis police data shows reduced crime in the area—only one robbery and one burglary this year—but economic recovery lags, reflecting the complex balance of honoring Floyd while revitalizing the community.
Five Years After Floyd: Policing Reforms and Setbacks
The push for police reform, sparked by George Floyd’s murder, has seen both progress and resistance. In Minneapolis, former police chief Medaria Arradondo, the first Black chief, reflects in his new book, Chief Rondo: Securing Justice for the Murder of George Floyd, on the reforms he championed. These include stricter use-of-force policies and community engagement efforts. However, recent moves by the Trump administration threaten to undo federal oversight. Just days ago, the Justice Department announced it would end investigations into police departments, including Minneapolis, reversing Biden-era consent decrees aimed at addressing systemic racism. Civil rights lawyer Ben Crump called this a betrayal of justice, warning it could erase hard-fought gains.
Elsewhere, reforms vary. In Oregon, the passage of Measure 26-217 in 2020 created a Police Accountability Commission, but its implementation is only now beginning. A Pew Research Center survey reveals a sobering reality: 72% of Americans believe the focus on racial inequality post-Floyd hasn’t led to meaningful improvements for Black communities. This sentiment fuels ongoing activism, with groups like the National Urban League releasing reports like George Floyd Five Years Later, urging sustained efforts for equitable justice.
Global Echoes of George Floyd’s Death
The impact of George Floyd’s killing reverberated worldwide, inspiring protests in over 60 countries. In the UK, a new BBC documentary, Backlash: The Murder of George Floyd, set for release this month, explores the British response, including 210,000 protesters in the first weeks. Activists like Natasha Johnson share stories of organizing in the face of racist backlash, highlighting parallels in police violence against Black Britons. The film, featuring Floyd’s family and Arradondo, underscores the global call for change, though it questions whether the movement has sustained its momentum.
Small towns also feel the ripple effects. In Lynden, Washington, a 2020 protest led by a Black teenager faced armed counterprotesters, a stark reminder of lingering tensions. The use of “Amazing Grace” by counterprotesters to drown out her voice was a painful twist on a hymn tied to Black history. These stories, from Minneapolis to London, show how Floyd’s death exposed deep divides while fostering unlikely moments of reconciliation, like a Minneapolis resident embracing a grieving stranger at the memorial site.
The Fight Over Justice: Chauvin’s Conviction and Pardon Talks
Derek Chauvin, the officer convicted of Floyd’s murder, received a 22.5-year sentence in 2021, one of the longest for a police officer’s use of deadly force. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, who prosecuted the case, recently reaffirmed the conviction’s strength, stating Chauvin’s actions were proven beyond doubt. Yet, controversy persists. Some X posts claim Floyd died of a fentanyl overdose, a narrative debunked by official autopsies confirming homicide by neck compression. These claims have fueled calls from figures like Ben Shapiro for Chauvin’s pardon, a move Minneapolis leaders warn could devastate trust in justice.
Here’s a snapshot of key developments since Floyd’s death:
- Conviction: Chauvin was found guilty of second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and manslaughter.
- Sentencing: His 22.5-year sentence exceeded state guidelines, reflecting the case’s severity.
- Federal Oversight: The Trump administration’s recent decision to end consent decrees threatens reforms.
- Community Impact: George Floyd Square remains a protest site, with ongoing debates about its future.
- Global Movement: Protests in 2020 spanned all 50 U.S. states and 60 countries, amplifying Black Lives Matter.
A Community Still Healing
In Minneapolis, Angela Harrelson, Floyd’s aunt, finds solace at the square, emphasizing healing over grief. The “Say Their Names” cemetery, an art installation honoring Black victims of police violence, still stands, a testament to collective memory. Yet, activists like Alaunna Thompson, who organized protests in New Jersey, argue systemic change remains elusive. The National Urban League’s report notes that while corporations pledged $66 billion for racial justice in 2021, backlash against diversity initiatives has grown, with some policies now scaled back under political pressure.
The debate over qualified immunity, a legal shield for police, also persists. Despite early bipartisan momentum to reform it after Floyd’s death, progress has stalled. Some judges have criticized its application, but officers still rely on it to deflect civil rights claims, as seen in a recent case involving a Minneapolis officer from the 2020 protests.
Looking Forward: A Call to Keep Fighting
As we mark five years since George Floyd’s murder, the question lingers: was it a moment or a movement? The protests of 2020 were a seismic call for justice, but the path forward is fraught. Minneapolis plans to honor Floyd with community events, from mural unveilings to StoryCorps recordings, ensuring his story endures. Yet, the threat of reversing reforms, coupled with divisive pardon talks, underscores the fragility of progress. Activists urge resilience, pointing to small victories—like local accountability measures—and the need for sustained pressure.
Join the conversation. Share your thoughts on how George Floyd’s legacy has shaped your community. Attend a local event, support justice initiatives, or watch Backlash: The Murder of George Floyd to stay informed. Let’s keep pushing for change.