Latest news with #Floyd
Axios
20 hours ago
- Axios
Chicago artists work to preserve Black Lives Matter art
Black Lives Matter murals and public art were all over Chicago after George Floyd's murder in 2020, but five years later, it can be difficult to find some of those works. Why it matters: The protests against police brutality were an inflection point in a city with a complicated history of policing. Artists expressing their feelings about that moment and the larger social justice movement was natural in a city known for its public art. Flashback: As protests wove through Chicago neighborhoods in the summer of 2020, Paint the City founders Missy Perkins and Barrett Keithley connected artists with businesses who wanted to show their support for Black Lives Matter. "It was just a thing where we just couldn't sit back and kind of watch this happen and not do something. We were obviously both feeling like, 'What kind of action can we take?'" Perkins tells Axios. "We know so many artists from all over the place that could go out and create these inspiring murals as a way to help people or as a way to engage in a conversation." Perkins says the group created hundreds of artistic boards across the city. Yes, but: All of those boards are not currently on display to the public. Many were shown in the 2021 exhibition "Resilient Voices," at the DuSable Museum in Washington Park, but Perkins says they're now in storage in need of restoration and a permanent home. Paint the City is exploring funding avenues to make that happen. State of play: Other groups, including the Sounding Boards Garden initiative, created displays that are still open to the public. In a lot behind Harmony Community Church in North Lawndale sits an outdoor gallery of colorful painted boards, including a portrait of Floyd, a large fist with the phrase "Power to the People," and a black cherub wearing boxing gloves and floating in space. Zoom out: George Floyd Square in Minneapolis, where police officer Derek Chauvin killed Floyd, is ensnared in a development battle about what to do with the streets around the memorial created after Floyd's death. Washington, D.C., has dismantled its Black Lives Matter Plaza for what Mayor Muriel Bowser said will instead become an area celebrating America's 250th birthday, which is in 2026. Context: Following the 2020 protests, activists also called for the dismantling of public art and monuments across the country, saying they reinforced white supremacy. Most notable in Chicago was the removal of two Christopher Columbus statues, one of which the city plans to loan to the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans. The city created the Chicago Monuments Project to determine what to do with the other controversial public art. Reality check: The group identified 41 objects that "privilege whiteness, social elites and the powerful above all other people" and recommended that several be placed in storage, but none have been, CBS reported this month.
Axios
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Axios
George Floyd protests 5 years later: A night that shook Cleveland
Five years ago, the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer set off full-scale protests in cities around the country, including Cleveland. Why it matters: Several hours of violence and civil unrest downtown changed the way law enforcement handled public demonstrations moving forward. Flashback: In the early afternoon on May 30, 2020 — five days after Floyd's death — more than 1,000 people descended the Free Stamp downtown, according to the city of Cleveland's detailed accounting of events. By 3pm, a growing crowd had marched to the Justice Center on Ontario Street, home of police headquarters. Within the next hour, protesters began hitting windows at the Justice Center and throwing garbage cans, bottles and eggs at officers gathered in front of the building. Officers used pepper ball canisters, pepper spray and rubber bullets to try to push protesters back. Yes, but: Violence escalated with protesters reportedly attacking officers and setting fire to police vehicles. Just after 4pm, police chief Calvin Williams ordered all active officers to go downtown in full riot gear. The big picture: As violence continued at the Justice Center, riots spread to areas including West 6th Street and Public Square. Over the next several hours, businesses, vehicles and other properties throughout downtown were looted and vandalized. There were reports of people wielding weapons, including guns. Mayor Frank Jackson issued a downtown curfew that went into effect at 8pm. An hour later, Williams ordered officers to arrest anyone still downtown. Rioting continued until police had cleared most of downtown around midnight. More than 70 people were arrested, according to the city's report. What they said:"I believe we did the job that we needed to do at that time," Jackson said during a briefing the following day. "Were there lessons learned? Yes. Could we do things better now than we did then? Yes. Did we desire a better outcome? Yes. But what happened, happened. And our police officers stepped up and did their job." 💭 My thought bubble: Watching the events of May 30 via live feeds on social media was surreal. Cleveland resembled what you would see watching documentaries on the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. The aftermath In February 2021, the team monitoring Cleveland Police's adherence to the 2015 consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice to reform the police division, filed a report on the events of May 30. State of play: An investigation found inconsistencies in the police reporting its use of force and inconsistent use of body cameras. In 2022, Cleveland was ordered to pay a $540,000 civil settlement to a dozen arrested protesters. Between the lines: It was also determined that police were not adequately prepared to handle such protests, especially given that other similar demonstrations had already occurred around the country. The Downtown Cleveland Alliance reported that over 100 businesses suffered more than $6 million in riot damages. In 2023, the Cleveland Division of Police revised its policies in dealing with civil disturbances. An order called for police to "protect constitutional rights related to assembly and free speech, effectively manage crowds to prevent loss of life, injury, or property damage and minimize disruptions to persons who are not involved." By some accounts, local progress on police reform has been slow, though steady in recent years. Meanwhile, the Trump administration's recent desire to end consent decrees has cast uncertainty about the future of police reform in several cities. Yes, but: While unveiling the city's 2025 summer safety plan, Mayor Justin Bibb reasserted a focus on police reform and accountability.
IOL News
a day ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Trump's White Supremacy Narrative Masks US Democracy Crisis
A spray painting of George Floyd, who was murdered by US police officers on May 25, 2020. This week marked the fifth anniversary of Floyd's death. While there were widespread commemorations for Floyd across America, US President Donald Trump was mute, says the writer. Image: AFP Kim Heller The dying gasp of George Floyd's "I can't breathe" on 25 May 2020 will forever reverberate across the world and haunt the carefully crafted image of the United States as the greatest democracy in the globe. In the nine minutes and twenty-nine seconds that it took Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin to snuff the life out of George Floyd, the brutality of state violence against African Americans was on full display. George Floyd had been arrested after he had allegedly used a counterfeit bill at a convenience store. But in truth, it may have been that his only crime was being black in the danger zone of the United States. Floyd's death was no lone moment of madness nor was it a random rabid attack by a racist police officer. It was a real-time reality check of the systemic violence against black lives in America. US scholar, Dr Cornel West spoke of Floyd's death as a lynching 'at the hands of the police" and of how racial terror was built into the DNA of America. The American Dream is a precious and priceless vision. A paradise on earth with boundless promise of prosperity for all, irrespective of race, class, gender, or lowly beginnings, is both stirring and evasive. Through the ages, the United States has fashioned itself as the paragon of parity and a supermodel of democracy in a desperate attempt to cast off the ugly rag of slavery and black pain that was the country's foundational flag. In 1965, the great African American author James Baldwin wrote about how the American Dream was built on the backs of black people. He reflected on how the US flag that African Americans pledged allegiance to has failed to protect them. Sixty years later, Baldwin's words remain true. Racial inequality, state brutality against African Americans and the supersizing of white interests have yet to be arrested. Contemporary-day America is no democratic dreamland. In many instances, it is a living nightmare for African Americans. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading This week marked the fifth anniversary of George Floyd's death. While there were widespread commemorations for Floyd across America, Trump was mute. But just a week before, the world watched as the President of the US trumpeted "Death. Death. Death. Death. Horrible Death", as he displayed disturbing news articles and images of what appeared to be attacks on white farmers in South Africa. This dramatic scene unfolded as he harshly rebuked South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa in the Oval Office. Many of the facts and images presented have since been exposed as fake news. Donald Trump is masterfully turning the world's glare away from the failings of American democracy, its systemic racial violence and its culpability in the unfolding Gaza genocide by supersizing and weaponising the fake news of white genocide in South Africa. In the huff and puff of Donald Trump's signature brand of white supremacy, there is little outrage about black lives. White farm murders in South Africa constituted a tiny fraction of the overall murder carnage in 2024. Less than a handful of these were white farmers. Statistics indicate that in the US, African Americans are almost three times more likely to be killed by police than white Americans. Mapping Police Violence reports 2024 as a particularly bloody year for the United States. Over one thousand two hundred people were killed by police. African Americans, who make up just 13% of the population constituted over 25% of all people killed by police officers during 2024 – an estimated three hundred to three hundred and fifty dead black bodies. It appears as if George Floyd's murder in 2020 has not slowed or stopped the carnage. Over the past five years, reports show that well over five thousand people lost their lives as a direct consequence of police brutality. Very few police officers responsible for these deaths have been criminally charged. Trump has treated the issue of police violence and culpability with kid gloves. He has villainised the Black Lives Matter movement, calling them thugs, and labelling them as a "domestic threat". The legitimate cry for civil rights is not only being stilled but also criminalised. Alarming statistics from the Federal Reserve point to the fact that in the few months of the new Trump administration, the inequality gap between white and black Americans has widened, while business opportunities and social welfare measures brutally slashed.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
How former LSU College World Series hero Ty Floyd is faring in the minor leagues
How former LSU College World Series hero Ty Floyd is faring in the minor leagues Former LSU pitcher Ty Floyd carved out a starting role in the minor leagues following a season-long injury list stint in 2024. With the Cincinnati Reds' Single-A team, the right-hander has eight starts thus far. Through 27.2 innings of work, he has 31 strikeouts, a 3.25 ERA, and a 0.90 WHIP. The opposition bats just .147 against him. Floyd made his debut with the Daytona Tortugas on April 5, giving up two runs on two hits. Since then, he gave up more than one run once. On May 21, the team placed him on the seven-day injured list. The Reds selected Floyd at No. 38 overall during the 2023 MLB Draft. After not making an appearance that year, Floyd went on the season-long injured list as he underwent shoulder surgery. According to Floyd is the Reds' No. 17-ranked prospect. The site lists Floyd's ETA as 2025. Floyd isn't the only former LSU pitcher in the Reds' system, he's joined by Luke Holman. Floyd spent three years in Baton Rouge, ending his collegiate career as a national champion. In 2023, he made 19 appearances, including 17 starts, posting a 4.35 ERA and 120 strikeouts through 91 innings. In the first of the three-game championship series against Florida, Floyd went eight innings with 17 strikeouts to power the Tigers to a win.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Girbau & Girbau North America Clean Show Booth 2523 to Showcase Vended Laundry Solutions and Demos
OSHKOSH, Wis., May 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- At Clean Show '25 Girbau & Girbau North America (GNA) will showcase the company's vast product offering as the industry's most diverse provider of vended laundry equipment and solutions, according to President Mike Floyd. "During Clean, we promise new product introductions, engaging in-both interactions and valuable opportunities to interface with company staff, customers and distributors," said Floyd. Attendees will also enjoy aggressive financing and product promotions, along with captivating live entertainment." New Product IntroductionsGNA will unveil several new products during Clean, including GS Series 90- and 130-pound capacity washers, new ExpressDry Dryer capacity offerings, and the new Genius ExpressClean storewide soap delivery system. New GS Series Soft-Mount Washers in 90- and 130-pount CapacitiesThe entire line of newly enhanced GS Washers (23- to 130-pound capacities) bring enhanced 450 G-force extract speeds, the highly intuitive Genius hybrid control, the industry's largest 10-inch touchscreen, 360° Vision Corner Status Light and an easy-to-install freestanding design. The hybrid Genius Control switches from a customer-facing vended user interface and programming to an attendant-facing user interface with sophisticated commercial programming. This is useful for processing WDF and commercial account orders. "Not only are we introducing the larger GS Washer capacities, the entire GS line is significantly improved with Sapphire laundry management and connectivity that includes monitoring diagnostics and remote programming, among other features," said Vice President of Sales Joel Jorgensen. "These are highly productive machines that remove more moisture during extract for greater customer cycle rates, reduced stress on dryer capacity and efficiency." All GS models, from 23- to 130-pound capacities will be featured with touchscreen/programming ExpressDry+ Dryer CapacitiesExpressDry+ Dryers simplify installation and ease of use, drastically reduce gas consumption and downtime and boost profit potential. Reliable and efficient, ExpressDry+ Drying Tumblers are available in 30-, 55- and 75-pound capacity single-pocket units, and 30- and 45-pound capacity dual-pocket stacks. New model capacities will also be ExpressCleanA new storewide soap/chemical delivery solution at the point-of-sale will also debut. This system – Genius ExpressClean works with the Genius Control – making it simple to offer multiple choices of detergents, color safe brighteners and softener options sold and delivered automatically to customers during their cycle. "Genius ExpressClean is another way to create customer convenience while reducing staff clean-up time and boosting total store revenue," said Jorgensen. Washers, Dryers and Ironers in the Booth with DemosBesides the full lineup of GS Washers and Genius ExpressClean, Continental's booth will offer demos and more to explore. Booth visitors can view an "out-of-balance" demo on the GS 70-pound capacity washer and the fully operational Express Flatwork Ironer with a 20-inch diameter roll. Express Flatwork IronerThe Express Flatwork Ironer is often used by vended laundries to iron sheets and table linens for commercial and residential WDF and pickup and delivery orders. Express Flatwork Ironers properly finish up to 50 feet of linen per minute. Available in 13- and 20-inch roll diameters and up to 125-inch finishing widths, Express Flatwork Ironers offer enhanced processing speeds; an easily accessible lint cleanout; a wide, metallic feeding tray; reinforced lateral bearings; and multiple heating systems. Making the most of available space, these return-to-feed ironers can be installed 12 to 18 inches from a wall.G-Flex Hard-Mount, ExpressWash Soft-Mount WashersThe G-Flex 200-G-force hard-mount and the ExpressWash up to 405 G-force soft-mount washers will also be on hand. To learn more about GNA's products, services or career opportunities, visit or call 800-256-1073. Media ContactTari AlbrightDirector of Marketing Communicationstalbright@ About Girbau North America – an EVI Industries Inc. Strategic Laundry Solutions CompanyGirbau North America, in Oshkosh, Wis., is a comprehensive strategic laundry solutions company serving the vended, commercial and industrial laundry and textile care markets throughout North America. Services under the GNA umbrella include customer marketing via Girbau Creative Services (GCS); financing through CustomSelect; and distribution through partner distributors and Continental Girbau West (CG West), which serves Arizona, New Mexico and Southern California. GNA also provides product warehousing for quick availability, parts for most brands, technical service assistance, customer care and the industry's most comprehensive offering of commercial laundry solutions to customers throughout North America. GNA brands include: • Continental Girbau® • Girbau Industrial® • Poseidon Textile Care Systems® • Express Laundry Centers® • Sports Laundry Systems® • OnePress® • LG Commercial®About EVI Industries through its wholly owned subsidiaries, is a value-added distributor and a provider of advisory and technical services. Through its vast sales organization, the EVI provides customers with planning, designing, and consulting services related to their commercial laundry operations. EVI sells and/or leases its customers commercial laundry equipment, specializing in washing, drying, finishing, material handling, water heating, power generation, and water reuse applications. In support of the suite of products it offers, EVI sells related parts and accessories. Additionally, through EVI's robust network of commercial laundry technicians, it provides its customers with installation, maintenance and repair services. EVI's customers include retail, commercial, industrial, institutional and government customers. Purchases made by customers range from parts and accessories to single or multiple units of equipment, to large complex systems as well as the purchase of EVI's installation, maintenance and repair services. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Girbau North America
