On May 25, 2025, communities across the United States gathered to mark the fifth anniversary of George Floyd’s murder, a pivotal moment that sparked a global movement for racial justice and police reform. From Minneapolis to Houston, thousands participated in vigils, memorial services, concerts, and protests to honor Floyd’s legacy while reflecting on the persistent challenges of systemic racism and police accountability. These events underscored both the progress made since 2020 and the significant hurdles that remain in addressing racial inequities.
A Day of Remembrance in Minneapolis
In Minneapolis, where George Floyd was killed by former police officer Derek Chauvin, the intersection now known as George Floyd Square served as the heart of commemorative activities. The fifth annual “Rise and Remember Festival” began on Friday, May 23, and continued through Sunday, featuring concerts, a street festival, a self-care fair, a worship service, and a candlelight vigil. Hundreds gathered to lay flowers, share stories, and reflect on the impact of Floyd’s death. A mural reading “You Changed the World, George” remains a powerful symbol at the site, adorned with protest art and tributes.
Jazz Hampton, a community member, was among those who placed a rose at the memorial, joined by Floyd’s family and friends. The atmosphere was a mix of mourning and celebration, as attendees honored Floyd’s life while recommitting to the fight for justice. Detrius Smith, visiting from Dallas with her family, spoke to her grandchildren about the global unity sparked by Floyd’s murder, emphasizing the need to keep his memory alive.
Houston Honors Floyd’s Roots
In Houston, where Floyd grew up, his family gathered near his gravesite for a memorial service led by civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton. The event brought together family members, including Floyd’s sister LeTonya and niece Bianca Williams, who wore shoes bearing her uncle’s image. The service focused on unity and resilience, with Floyd’s aunt, Mahalia, calling for solidarity and forgiveness. Shareeduh McGee, Floyd’s cousin, spoke at a separate Houston event, expressing disappointment over the lack of sustained policy changes but vowing to keep Floyd’s legacy alive. She emphasized that his death should not be in vain and urged continued efforts to address racial injustice.
A Movement Sparked by Tragedy
George Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man, was killed on May 25, 2020, when Derek Chauvin, a white Minneapolis police officer, knelt on his neck for over nine minutes. The incident, captured on a bystander’s video, showed Floyd pleading for his life, calling out for his mother, and ultimately going still. The footage ignited global outrage, fueling protests across all 50 U.S. states and in countries from Amsterdam to Andheri. The Black Lives Matter movement gained unprecedented momentum, becoming the largest civil rights protest in American history. Floyd’s final words, “I can’t breathe,” became a rallying cry for millions demanding an end to police brutality and systemic racism.
In the wake of Floyd’s death, the U.S. saw a wave of proposed reforms. Under President Joe Biden, the Justice Department launched investigations into police departments in Minneapolis, Louisville, Phoenix, and Lexington, Mississippi, uncovering patterns of systemic misconduct. Some states and cities banned chokeholds and no-knock warrants, while others reviewed use-of-force policies. However, activists note that many of these efforts have stalled or been rolled back, particularly under the current political climate.
Setbacks and Criticism of Progress
The fifth anniversary commemorations took place amid growing frustration over the lack of lasting reform. The Trump administration’s recent decision to cancel federal consent decrees with Minneapolis and Louisville, which had mandated police department overhauls following Floyd’s murder and the killing of Breonna Taylor, drew sharp criticism. Activists argue that these rollbacks undermine years of progress and signal a broader retreat from racial justice initiatives. In Minneapolis, while a state-level consent decree with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights remains in place, the loss of federal oversight has raised concerns about accountability.
Civil rights attorney Nekima Levy Armstrong, who has led protests in Minneapolis, highlighted the ongoing economic disparities and strained police-community relations in Black neighborhoods. While some residents note improved interactions with law enforcement, the scars of 2020 remain. Billy Briggs, a photographer living near George Floyd Square, described feeling intense anxiety as the anniversary approached, a reminder of the trauma that lingers for many.
In Georgia, Black faith leaders organized protests outside Target stores on May 25, demanding the retailer restore its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. Target, headquartered in Minneapolis, had pledged significant support for Black communities after Floyd’s death but faced backlash for scaling back these initiatives. Protesters observed a moment of silence lasting nine minutes and 29 seconds, symbolizing the duration of Chauvin’s actions.
A Complex Legacy
Floyd’s life, often overshadowed by his death, was one of resilience and aspiration. Known as “Big Floyd” for his 6-foot-7 stature, he grew up in Houston’s Third Ward, facing challenges but dreaming big. As a child, he wrote of wanting to be a Supreme Court justice. Later, he became a mentor in his community, known for his warmth and leadership. His story, as told by Pulitzer Prize-winning authors Toluse Olorunnipa and Robert Samuels, reflects the broader struggles of Black Americans navigating systemic inequities.
The anniversary also sparked debate about the broader impact of the 2020 protests. While some see Floyd’s death as a catalyst for meaningful change, others argue that the movement has faltered. Corporate and institutional pledges for diversity and equity, inspired by the protests, have faced an “anti-woke” backlash, with many initiatives scaled back. A recent survey found that while a majority of Americans still support the goals of racial equity, enthusiasm for systemic change has waned under shifting political priorities.
Calls for Continued Action
Despite setbacks, Floyd’s family and activists remain steadfast. At a Houston press conference, Rev. Al Sharpton urged perseverance, surrounded by Floyd’s relatives and public officials. In Minneapolis, George Floyd Square continues to attract visitors, with some advocating for its preservation as a permanent memorial, while others, including local business owners, call for reopening the area to traffic. The debate reflects the tension between honoring Floyd’s legacy and addressing practical community needs.
The media’s coverage of the anniversary was notably subdued compared to past years, with outlets like PBS NewsHour and NewsNation providing in-depth reports but few prime-time specials. This shift, some argue, mirrors a broader societal fatigue with the racial reckoning sparked in 2020. Yet, for those at George Floyd Square and beyond, the fight continues. As Floyd’s cousin Paris and aunt Mahalia emphasized, he was more than a symbol—he was “Perry,” a beloved family member whose loss still resonates deeply.
Looking Forward
Five years after George Floyd’s murder, the United States stands at a crossroads. The global movement his death inspired brought unprecedented attention to racial injustice, but the path to meaningful reform remains fraught. Activists and community members call for renewed commitment to police accountability, economic equity, and systemic change. As the sun set over George Floyd Square on May 25, 2025, the candlelight vigil illuminated a shared resolve: to honor Floyd’s memory by pushing for a more just future.
For more on the ongoing fight for police reform, visit PBS NewsHour. To learn about Floyd’s life and legacy, read NPR’s interview with authors Toluse Olorunnipa and Robert Samuels. For updates on racial justice efforts, check Reuters’ coverage.
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