Religious ceremonies, concerts, and vigils are planned to commemorate the fifth anniversary of George Floyd’s death at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer, even as police reform advocates and civil rights activists face what they describe as a backlash from the Trump administration.
In Minneapolis, events are centered around George Floyd Square, the site where Officer Derek Chauvin knelt on Floyd’s neck for over nine minutes while Floyd pleaded, “I can’t breathe.” The observances began on Friday with concerts, a street festival, and a “self-care fair,” leading up to Sunday’s worship service, gospel concert, and candlelight vigil.
Meanwhile, in Houston—where Floyd grew up—his family will hold a memorial service at his gravesite led by the Rev. Al Sharpton. Nearby, a park will host another memorial, followed by several hours of music, speeches, poetry, and a balloon release.
These remembrances come amid ongoing frustration from activists who had hoped the global protests following Floyd’s murder on May 25, 2020, would result in lasting police reforms and greater attention to racial justice. Despite promises from Minneapolis officials to reform the police department, some activists say meaningful change has been slow to reach communities.
Michelle Gross, president of Communities United Against Police Brutality, acknowledged that change takes time but added that the progress claimed by the city has not yet been felt on the streets.
Recently, the Trump administration moved to cancel settlements with Minneapolis and Louisville that aimed to reform their police forces after the deaths of Floyd and Breonna Taylor. Under President Joe Biden, the Justice Department had pushed for strict oversight of police departments accused of systemic abuses.
Additionally, the Trump administration ended diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs within the federal government and is using federal funding as leverage to pressure local governments, universities, and public schools to abandon such initiatives. Several Republican-led states have also increased efforts to eliminate DEI programs.