Thousands mark 5th anniversary of George Floyd's murder as they call for justice and decry Trump
MINNEAPOLIS: Police reform and civil-rights activists joined thousands of ordinary people Sunday to mark the fifth anniversary of George Floyd's murder and decry the Trump administration for actions they say set their efforts back decades.
The Rev. Al Sharpton said at a graveside service with the dead man's family in Houston that Floyd, 46, represented all of those 'who are defenseless against people who thought they could put their knee on our neck.'
He compared Floyd's killing to that of Emmett Till, a 14-year-old Black child who was abducted, mutilated and slain in Mississippi in 1955 after being accused of offending a white woman.
'What Emmett Till was in his time, George Floyd has been for this time in history,' Sharpton said.
Site of his death
Events in Minneapolis centered around George Floyd Square, the intersection where police Officer Derek Chauvin used his knee to pin Floyd's neck to the pavement for 9 1/2 minutes, even as Floyd cried 'I can't breathe.'
By midday Sunday, a steady stream of people were paying their respects at a memorial in front of Cup Foods, where he was killed. Across the street, activists had set up a feeding area at an old gas station that has often served as a staging area since Floyd's death. In the middle of the street, a fake pig's head was mounted on a stick. The head wore a police cap.
Events started Friday with music, a street festival and a 'self-care fair.' It culminated Sunday evening when hundreds gathered at the square for a candlelit vigil that included a worship service, a gospel concert and speeches calling for racial justice. A brass band then led the crowd on a short march through city streets.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Economic Times
7 hours ago
- Economic Times
Doechii uses BET awards victory to spotlight LA protests and criticize Trump administration
At the 2025 BET Awards, Doechii wins Best Female Hip-Hop Artist. She uses her speech to highlight Los Angeles protests. These protests are against ICE raids and military deployment. Doechii criticizes Trump's response to demonstrations. She advocates for marginalized groups and unity. Her remarks resonate amid heightened tensions in the city. Social media praises her courage and advocacy. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads At the 2025 BET Awards, rapper Doechii made headlines not only for winning Best Female Hip-Hop Artist but also for using her acceptance speech to address the ongoing protests and immigration raids in Los Angeles, as well as the Trump administration's ceremony, held at the Peacock Theater in downtown LA, unfolded just as large-scale demonstrations erupted outside in response to recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and the deployment of military forces to the thanking BET and acknowledging her fellow nominees, Doechii shifted focus to the events happening outside the awards venue. She told the audience, 'There are ruthless attacks that are creating fear and chaos in our communities in the name of law and order. Trump is using military forces to stop a protest. And I want y'all to consider what kind of government it appears to be when every time we exercise our democratic right to protest, the military is deployed against us. What type of government is that?'Her remarks drew applause and underscored the tense atmosphere in Los Angeles, where California National Guard units had been deployed over the weekend to respond to the protests and ICE emphasized her sense of responsibility as an artist to use her platform for advocacy. She expressed solidarity with marginalized groups, stating, 'I feel it's my responsibility as an artist to use this moment to speak up for all oppressed people: for Black people, for Latino people, for trans people, for the people in Gaza. We all deserve to live in hope and not in fear, and I hope we stand together, my brothers and my sisters, against hate and protest against it'.Her speech came amid heightened tensions in Los Angeles, where protests broke out following ICE raids that resulted in dozens of arrests. President Trump's decision to deploy 2,000 National Guard troops to the city was met with criticism from activists and artists alike, with Doechii's comments echoing broader concerns about the use of military force against remarks were widely praised on social media and by fellow artists for their courage and timeliness. Many viewers and commentators commended her for using her moment in the spotlight to draw attention to pressing social issues and to advocate for unity and resistance against hate and oppression.
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Time of India
Doechii uses BET awards victory to spotlight LA protests and criticize Trump administration
At the 2025 BET Awards, rapper Doechii made headlines not only for winning Best Female Hip-Hop Artist but also for using her acceptance speech to address the ongoing protests and immigration raids in Los Angeles, as well as the Trump administration's response. The ceremony, held at the Peacock Theater in downtown LA, unfolded just as large-scale demonstrations erupted outside in response to recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and the deployment of military forces to the city. After thanking BET and acknowledging her fellow nominees, Doechii shifted focus to the events happening outside the awards venue. She told the audience, 'There are ruthless attacks that are creating fear and chaos in our communities in the name of law and order. Trump is using military forces to stop a protest. And I want y'all to consider what kind of government it appears to be when every time we exercise our democratic right to protest, the military is deployed against us. What type of government is that?' Her remarks drew applause and underscored the tense atmosphere in Los Angeles, where California National Guard units had been deployed over the weekend to respond to the protests and ICE raids. Doechii emphasized her sense of responsibility as an artist to use her platform for advocacy. She expressed solidarity with marginalized groups, stating, 'I feel it's my responsibility as an artist to use this moment to speak up for all oppressed people: for Black people, for Latino people, for trans people, for the people in Gaza. We all deserve to live in hope and not in fear, and I hope we stand together, my brothers and my sisters, against hate and protest against it'. Live Events Her speech came amid heightened tensions in Los Angeles, where protests broke out following ICE raids that resulted in dozens of arrests. President Trump's decision to deploy 2,000 National Guard troops to the city was met with criticism from activists and artists alike, with Doechii's comments echoing broader concerns about the use of military force against demonstrators. Doechii's remarks were widely praised on social media and by fellow artists for their courage and timeliness. Many viewers and commentators commended her for using her moment in the spotlight to draw attention to pressing social issues and to advocate for unity and resistance against hate and oppression.
Mint
12 hours ago
- Mint
Juneteenth 2025: Will post offices, banks, and stock market remain open on June 19? All you need to know
Juneteenth 2025 is an upcoming federal holiday in the coming week, which is being celebrated on June 19. Juneteenth is a very important occasion in the United States and is celebrated as a federal holiday ever since Joe Biden declared it as such during his tenure as the US President. Juneteenth has a rich history in the foundation of the United States. On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, announcing the end of slavery. This came 2.5 years after Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, finally freeing 250,000 enslaved people in Texas. The first Juneteenth celebrations began in 1866, led by Black communities with parades and church gatherings. Juneteenth marks America's "second Independence Day," symbolizing true freedom for all. It honors Black resilience and the ongoing fight for equality. In 2021, activism by figures like Opal Lee helped make it a federal holiday. There are different kinds of celebrations held on this day. Some of them include festivals and parades featuring music, food (like red foods symbolizing resilience), and voter drives. There are some educational events also held on the day, some of which highlight Black history and cultural pride. No, the US Postal Service will be closed that day, and there will be no mail delivered as Juneteenth is a federal holiday. However, FedEx pickup and delivery services will remain operational on the day, according to a USA Today report. On June 19, banks could stay closed or partially operational on this day as June 19 is a Federal Reserve holiday. According to transactions made during these holidays will not be posted until the next business day. Meanwhile, premier banks like Capital One, Bank of America, PNC, Truist, CitiBank, and JPMorgan Chase will remain non-operational on the day. However, Capital One cafes are slated to stay open, says USA Today. The US stock market will also stay closed on this federal holiday, according to its website.
