Minneapolis Marks 5th Anniversary of George Floyd’s Murder with Memorial Protests

A Day of Remembrance at George Floyd Square

On May 25, 2025, George Floyd Square was a sea of flowers, candles, and heartfelt tributes. Minneapolis Visitors left yellow roses, stuffed animals, and handwritten notes at the memorial site outside Unity Foods (formerly Cup Foods), where Derek Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer, knelt on Floyd’s neck for over nine minutes, leading to his death. The square, which has become a pilgrimage site for those seeking to honor Floyd and others killed by police, hosted a series of events, including a candlelight vigil, gospel concert, and worship service, as part of the annual Rise and Remember Festival.

Hundreds gathered under a gray Minnesota sky, some holding back tears, others embracing as they reflected on the tragedy that sparked a global movement. Ingrid Kubisa, a Minneapolis resident, shared her emotions, saying, “A lot of tears, a lot of memories.” For many, the site remains a powerful symbol of both pain and hope. Emmett Dealy, another local, described the atmosphere as “very powerful, very uplifting,” noting the community’s resilience in keeping Floyd’s memory alive.

The memorial wasn’t just a place of mourning. It was also a space for art and activism. Murals painted on nearby buildings and wooden sculptures of raised fists stood as reminders of the protests that erupted in 2020. At Phelps Field Park, about two miles away, artists like Eva Ngono contributed to the legacy with works like “Grit Your Teeth,” a mural created to mark the anniversary. These artistic expressions, alongside concerts and poetry readings, underscored the community’s commitment to preserving Floyd’s legacy through creative and peaceful means.

A Nationwide Call for Justice

Floyd’s murder, captured on video by a bystander, ignited protests across the United States and around the world, making it one of the largest civil rights movements in history. In Minneapolis, the fifth anniversary was a chance to reflect on the progress—and lack thereof—since those fiery days of 2020. Activists and community leaders, including the Rev. Al Sharpton, used the occasion to demand continued reform. At a Houston memorial service, where Floyd grew up, Sharpton spoke alongside Floyd’s family, saying Floyd represented “all of those who are defenseless against people who thought they could put their knee on our neck.”

In other cities, Floyd’s life was honored in various ways. In Houston, his family held a private graveside service, while in Brooklyn, New York, his brother led a march that culminated in the unveiling of a community plaque. Chicago saw protests at Federal Plaza, with demonstrators calling for community control over police and justice for victims of brutality. These events highlighted the national scope of Floyd’s impact, as communities from coast to coast joined in solidarity.

The Struggle for Police Reform

The anniversary was bittersweet for many activists, who expressed disappointment over the slow pace of change. Minneapolis banned police chokeholds after Floyd’s death, and companies pledged billions for racial equity initiatives, but many feel the promised reforms have fallen short. Michelle Gross, president of Communities United Against Police Brutality, stated, “The progress being claimed by the city is not being felt in the streets.” This sentiment was echoed by others who pointed to the Trump administration’s recent decision to cancel federal consent decrees with Minneapolis and Louisville, which were meant to overhaul police departments following Floyd’s murder and the killing of Breonna Taylor.

Under President Joe Biden, the U.S. Department of Justice had pushed for oversight of local police departments accused of systemic abuses. However, the Trump administration’s move on May 21, 2025, to retract these agreements was seen by activists as a significant setback. The decision, announced just days before the anniversary, cast a shadow over the commemorations. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey called it “political theater,” but activists argued it undermined years of effort to address police misconduct.

Despite these challenges, there were signs of progress. A nonprofit report released on May 20, 2025, gave Minneapolis high marks for compliance with certain reform measures. The city has also invested in community-led initiatives, such as purchasing the former Speedway gas station at George Floyd Square, now called the People’s Way, with plans to create a permanent memorial. However, debates continue over the site’s future, with some residents and businesses advocating for reopening the intersection to traffic, while others see it as a sacred space that must remain a memorial.

A Community Divided and United

George Floyd Square is more than a memorial—it’s a microcosm of the broader debate about how to move forward. For some, the site is a painful reminder of trauma, with burned buildings and boarded-up windows still visible from the 2020 protests. Billy Briggs, a local photographer living near the square, described feeling intense anxiety leading up to the anniversary, triggered by memories of Floyd’s death. Others, like Detrius Smith of Dallas, who visited with her daughters and grandchildren, saw it as a teaching moment, explaining to her family how Floyd’s death united people globally against racial injustice.

The square has also sparked tension. Some local businesses argue it’s “trapped in time,” hurting economic activity due to barricades and reduced traffic. The Minneapolis City Council recently rejected a plan to establish a pedestrian mall, leaving the site’s future uncertain. Meanwhile, activists like Austin of the Rise and Remember organization continue to use the space for creative writing classes and art exhibits, ensuring it remains a hub for community engagement.

A Legacy Under Siege

Floyd’s death forced a national reckoning with systemic racism, but five years later, that momentum appears to be fading for some. A Pew Research study from May 7, 2025, found that 72% of Americans believe the increased focus on racial inequality after Floyd’s killing did not lead to significant improvements for Black people. The same study noted that 54% of adults feel the relationship between police and Black communities has remained largely unchanged.

Adding to the complexity, rumors and misinformation have persisted. For example, Snopes debunked a claim that U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters proposed renaming Memorial Day as “George Floyd Day,” highlighting the challenges of separating fact from fiction in the narrative surrounding Floyd’s legacy. Meanwhile, reports have surfaced about President Trump potentially pardoning Derek Chauvin, who is serving over 20 years for murder and civil rights violations. Though Trump has publicly denied these claims, the possibility has further fueled tensions.

Looking Ahead

As Minneapolis and the nation mark this solemn milestone, the fifth anniversary of George Floyd’s murder is a reminder of both the power of collective action and the fragility of progress. The events at George Floyd Square—filled with flowers, music, and calls for justice—reflect a community striving to honor a man whose death changed the world. Yet, the slow pace of reform and recent political decisions underscore the challenges that remain.

For those who gathered on May 25, 2025, the message was clear: George Floyd’s legacy is not just about remembering a tragedy but about continuing the fight for equality. As Gail Ferguson, a Minneapolis resident who visits the memorial every year, said, “We want to do everything we can to work together so everybody can have the same equal rights and everybody can move forward.” Her words capture the hope and determination that continue to drive this movement, even in the face of setbacks.