Latest news with #RiseandRememberFestival
Kuwait Times
04-06-2025
- General
- Kuwait Times
Discarded protest art preserves George Floyd legacy
Kenda Zellner-Smith hauled up a corrugated metal door to reveal hundreds of wooden boards covered with graffiti, each telling a story of the protests that followed George Floyd's killing by a US police officer. The 28-year-old has collected and archived the panels that once protected businesses from rioting in Minneapolis, aiming to preserve the legacy of the 2020 murder that shocked the United States. Five years on, Zellner-Smith said the boards -- kept in a storage unit by an industrial site two miles (three kilometers) from where Floyd died -- still evoke powerful emotions. They range from blank plywood with text reading 'I can't breathe' -- the final words Floyd said as Derek Chauvin, a white police officer, knelt on his neck -- to colorful murals depicting rainbows and love hearts. 'Every time I look at them there's something different I notice,' she told AFP. 'They reignite an energy or a fire that was felt years ago during the uprising.' Then a university graduate in Minneapolis, Zellner-Smith was among millions of Americans who joined the Black Lives Matter rallies in 2020 that swept US cities. The threat of vandalism saw many businesses protect themselves with wooden boards -- which became canvases for protesters' slogans and drawings demanding justice. Festivalgoers view and contribute to community art walls during the Rise and Remember Festival in Minneapolis, Minnesota marking the fifth anniversary of George Flyod's death. Darnella Thompson, 43, of St. Paul, originally from Houston, stands in front of a community mural honoring George Floyd at Phelps Field Park in Minneapolis. Kenda Zellner-Smith, 28, founder of the nonprofit Save the Boards, poses for a portrait in a warehouse where protest art panels are stored. 'Resistance' Zellner-Smith said she decided to start collecting the boards after seeing one taken down after the protests and thinking ''Oh my god, these are going to disappear just as fast as they showed up.'' 'Every single day after work, I'd grab my dad's pickup truck and I would just drive around searching for boards,' said Zellner-Smith, who searched alleyways and dumpsters. Today, her project called 'Save the Boards' counts over 600 in its collection, with each stacked vertically in a pair of storage units measuring 10 by 30 feet (three by nine meters). But with Floyd's legacy under the spotlight on the fifth anniversary of his death as many hoped-for reforms to address racism have not been met, she said the boards are crucial to sustaining the protest movement. 'Art serves as a form of resistance and storytelling, and it speaks to real, lived experiences, and that's what these are,' Zellner-Smith said. Her next challenge is finding a long-term home for the boards as grants that covered storage costs are running dry. A handful are already being exhibited -- including in a building restored after it was damaged by arson during the 2020 protests -- and most have been photographed to be archived online. 'My biggest push is just to make sure they're still seen. The stories they have to tell are still heard, and that people understand there's still a lot of work to be done,' Zellner-Smith said. Kenda Zellner-Smith poses for a portrait in a warehouse where protest art panels are stored, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Kenda Zellner-Smith poses for a portrait in a warehouse where protest art panels are stored, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 'Murals gave me hope' Her initiative is similar to another, more expansive one in Minneapolis called Memorialize the Movement. That nonprofit exhibited around 50 boards during a memorial event held Sunday on a recreation ground near George Floyd Square, the name given to the area where the 46-year-old was killed. With Afrobeat music booming from speakers, dozens of people scanned the display that included one piece with squares of black and brown, each filled with phrases like 'We matter' and 'Protect us.' Another mostly bare wooden board had just a black love heart with 'No justice, no peace' written in the middle. 'I think it is absolutely vital that these murals and this story that they tell are preserved for future generations,' said Leesa Kelly, who has collected over 1,000 pieces while running Memorialize the Movement. Asked what drove her to start the project, the 32-year-old replied: 'I didn't do this because I was motivated or inspired, I did it because I was experiencing trauma.' 'A Black man was killed. The murals gave me hope,' said Kelly, who also collected many of the boards herself during the 2020 protests. Darnella Thompson, 43, was one of those looking at the boards on a warm, sunny day, stopping to take a photo in front of one saying 'Speak up' and 'Hope.' 'It's overwhelming,' she told AFP. 'As a person of color who has experienced quite a bit here in this country, it definitely resonates very much with me.' 'It brings up more so sadness than anything because this is continuous,' Thompson added. — AFP
Saudi Gazette
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
Thousands remember George Floyd on fifth anniversary of death
HOUSTON — Americans across the country remembered George Floyd five years after he was killed by police, with special gatherings in the city where he grew up and the one where he died. The murder of Floyd, a black man, in Minneapolis by police officer Derek Chauvin led to nationwide protests against racism and police brutality. On Sunday, Floyd's family gathered in their hometown of Houston near Floyd's gravesite for a service led by the Rev Al Sharpton, while Minneapolis held several commemorations. What many hailed as a national "reckoning" with racism after Floyd's death, though, seems to be fading as President Donald Trump starts to roll back police reforms in Minneapolis and other cities. The Associated Press reported that thousands of people, including police reform and civil-rights activists, gathered on Sunday for the anniversary. In Minneapolis, a morning church service and evening gospel concert were part of events to mark the events of 25 March 2020, at the annual Rise and Remember Festival in George Floyd Square, the intersection where Floyd was murdered and which has since been named to honor him. "Now is the time for the people to rise up and continue the good work we started," Angela Harrelson, Floyd's aunt and co-chair of the Rise and Remember nonprofit, said in a statement about the festival. In Houston, where Floyd grew up and where he is buried, local organizations held poetry sessions, musical performances and speeches by local pastors. Rev Sharpton, a civil rights leader, held a press conference and memorial service with Floyd's family, as well as elected officials and friends. They called for changes begun in the wake of Floyd's to continue, especially pushing President Donald Trump to keep up federal police reform agreements. Floyd was murdered in 2020 during a police arrest in Minneapolis when Chauvin, a white police officer, stood on his neck for more than nine minutes. The killing — captured on a bystander's phone camera — sparked global outrage and a wave of demonstrations against racial injustice and police use of force. Chauvin has been serving a 22-year prison sentence after he was convicted of murdering the 46-year-old. Other officers were convicted for failing to intervene in the killing. In a post on X, Rev Sharpton said Floyd's death had "forced a long overdue reckoning with systemic racism and galvanized millions to take to the streets in protest". "The conviction of the officer responsible was a rare step toward justice, but our work is far from over," he said. In the wake of Floyd's death, under former President Joe Biden, the justice department opened civil investigations into several local law enforcement agencies, including Minneapolis, Louisville, Phoenix and Lexington, Mississippi, where investigators found evidence of systemic police misconduct. The department reached agreements with both the Louisville and Minneapolis police departments that included oversight measures like enhanced training, accountability, and improved data collection of police activity. But last Wednesday, the Trump administration said those findings relied on "flawed methodologies and incomplete data". Administration officials said the agreement were "handcuffing" local police departments. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, though, said this week that his city would still "comply with every sentence, of every paragraph, of the 169-page consent decree that we signed this year". Since returning to office, Trump has also taken aim at Diversity Equity & Inclusion (DEI) measures intended to reduce racism, sexism and other forms of discrimination. Early in his tenure, Trump signed an executive order to eliminate DEI policies in the federal government, some of which were the result of protests during what is often called "Black Lives Matter Summer", held after the deaths of Floyd and others, Critics including Trump say such programs can themselves be discriminatory. Addressing West Point on Saturday, he said that in ending DEI in the military the administration was "getting rid of the distractions" and "focusing our military on its core mission". Meanwhile, the mayor of Washington, Muriel Bowser, removed Black Lives Matter Plaza, a strip of road that was emblazoned with the phrase near the White House. This week, a famous mural of Floyd in Houston was destroyed as part of a building demolition, as well, according to Houston Public Media. Recent surveys suggest Americans believe there have been few improvements for the lives of black people in the US five years after Floyd's passing, including a May survey from Pew Research Center in which 72% of participants said there had been no meaningful changes. The number of Americans expressing support for the Black Lives Matter movement has also fallen by 15% since June 2020, the same survey suggests. — BBC
Qatar Tribune
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
Americans remember George Floyd on fifth anniversary of death
Americans across the country are remembering George Floyd five years after he was killed by police, with special gatherings in the city where he grew up and the one where he died. The murder of Floyd, a black man, in Minneapolis by police officer Derek Chauvin led to nationwide protests against racism and police brutality. On Sunday, Floyd's family gathered in their hometown of Houston near Floyd's gravesite for an event led by the Rev Al Sharpton, while Minneapolis held several commemorations. What many hailed as a national 'reckoning' with racism after Floyd's death, though, seems to be fading as President Donald Trump starts to roll back police reforms in Minneapolis and other cities. In Minneapolis, community members planned a morning church service, a candlelight vigil and an evening gospel concert on Sunday to remember Floyd. The events were a part of the annual Rise and Remember Festival taking place in George Floyd Square, the intersection where Floyd was murdered and which has since been named to honour him. 'Now is the time for the people to rise up and continue the good work we started,' Angela Harrelson, Floyd's aunt and co-chair of the Rise and Remember nonprofit, said in a statement about the festival. In Houston, where Floyd grew up and where he is buried, local organisations planned poetry sessions, musical performances and speeches by local pastors. Floyd was murdered in 2020 during a police arrest in Minneapolis when Chauvin, a white police officer, stood on his neck for more than nine minutes. The killing - captured on a bystander's phone camera - sparked global outrage and a wave of demonstrations against racial injustice and police use of force. (Agencies)
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Americans remember George Floyd on fifth anniversary of death
Americans across the country are remembering George Floyd five years after he was killed by police, with special gatherings in the city where he grew up and the one where he died. The murder of Floyd, a black man, in Minneapolis by police officer Derek Chauvin led to nationwide protests against racism and police brutality. On Sunday, Floyd's family gathered in their hometown of Houston near Floyd's gravesite for an event led by the Rev. Al Sharpton, while Minneapolis held several commemorations. What many hailed as a national "reckoning" with racism after Floyd's death, though, seems to be fading as President Donald Trump starts to roll back police reforms in Minneapolis and other cities. In Minneapolis, community members planned a morning church service, a candlelight vigil and an evening gospel concert on Sunday to remember Floyd. The events were a part of the annual Rise and Remember Festival taking place in George Floyd Square, the intersection where Floyd was murdered and which has since been named to honour him. "Now is the time for the people to rise up and continue the good work we started," Angela Harrelson, Floyd's aunt and co-chair of the Rise and Remember nonprofit, said in a statement about the festival. In Houston, where Floyd grew up and where he is buried, local organisations planned poetry sessions, musical performances and speeches by local pastors. Floyd was murdered in 2020 during a police arrest in Minneapolis when Chauvin, a white police officer, stood on his neck for more than nine minutes. The killing - captured on a bystander's phone camera - sparked global outrage and a wave of demonstrations against racial injustice and police use of force. Chauvin has been serving a 22-year prison sentence after he was convicted of murdering the 46-year-old. Other officers were convicted for failing to intervene in the killing. In a post on X, Rev Sharpton said Floyd's death had "forced a long overdue reckoning with systemic racism and galvanized millions to take to the streets in protest". "The conviction of the officer responsible was a rare step toward justice, but our work is far from over," he said. In the wake of Floyd's death, under former President Joe Biden, the justice department opened civil investigations into several local law enforcement agencies, including Minneapolis, Louisville, Phoenix and Lexington, Mississippi, where investigators found evidence of systemic police misconduct. The department reached agreements with both the Louisville and Minneapolis police departments that included oversight measures like enhanced training, accountability, and improved data collection of police activity. But last Wednesday, the Trump administration said those findings relied on "flawed methodologies and incomplete data". Administration officials said the agreement were "handcuffing" local police departments. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, though, said this week that his city would still "comply with every sentence, of every paragraph, of the 169-page consent decree that we signed this year". Since returning to office, Trump has also taken aim at Diversity Equity & Inclusion (DEI) measures intended to reduce racism, sexism and other forms of discrimination. Early in his tenure, Trump signed an executive order to eliminate DEI policies in the federal government, some of which were the result of protests during what is often called "Black Lives Matter Summer", held after the deaths of Floyd and others, Critics including Trump say such programmes can themselves be discriminatory. Addressing West Point on Saturday, he said that in ending DEI in the military the administration was "getting rid of the distractions" and "focusing our military on its core mission". Meanwhile, the mayor of Washington, Muriel Bowser, removed Black Lives Matter Plaza, a strip of road that was emblazoned with the phrase near the White House. This week, a famous mural of Floyd in Houston was destroyed as part of a building demolition, as well, according to Houston Public Media. Recent surveys suggest Americans believe there have been few improvements for the lives of black people in the US five years after Floyd's passing, including a May survey from Pew Research Center in which 72% of participants said there had been no meaningful changes. The number of Americans expressing support for the Black Lives Matter movement has also fallen by 15% since June 2020, the same survey suggests. Trump administration to scrap police reform measures in some US cities Chauvin sentenced for violating George Floyd's rights Minneapolis police 'engaged in pattern of racism'
Miami Herald
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
5 years later, Minneapolis remembers George Floyd
MINNEAPOLIS - Sunday marks five years since George Floyd was pinned by his neck and killed by police in the streets of Minneapolis, sparking a historic wave of calls to action to end police brutality and racial injustice. Since Floyd was murdered on May 25, 2020, by Minneapolis police, observers have trekked to the city every year on the anniversary of his death to pay their respects and celebrate his legacy. "It's sad that an event like this had to happen for the community to come together," Eric Coleman, who served as part of a security team Sunday, said as he sat near a huge raised fist that's become synonymous with George Floyd Square. "But in the end, that's what you really want." Coleman said the day has waned in intensity since Floyd's death. But the anniversary's ability to bring residents together remains. Around 11:30 a.m., about 150 people wandered what is known as George Floyd Square, pausing at makeshift memorials. Visitors take in the sight of yellow roses lying on the mural painted on the spot that George Floyd was murdered five years ago at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis. (Alex Kormann/The Minnesota Star Tribune) On a weekend that is usually reserved for remembering fallen veterans, Floyd's presence can be felt throughout the Twin Cities - from author readings to prayer circles, concerts and more. On Sunday, there are several planned events to honor Floyd's life, with most of the major activities happening near the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue where he was killed. Around 11 a.m., a few dozen people sat in folding chairs in a parking lot for a church service for Floyd held by Worldwide Outreach for Christ. The group was diverse - white and Black, with a Minneapolis Police Department officer sitting among those in the crowd. "I appreciate this day because the sacrifice [Floyd] made was one that enabled us to realize the needs in all our communities," Pastor Curtis Farrar said to the crowd. Other scheduled events include an evening gospel concert - featuring popular local choir the Sounds of Blackness - and a candlelight vigil. This year's theme for the annual Rise and Remember Festival that celebrates Floyd's life in George Floyd Square is "the people have spoken." "Now is the time for the people to rise up and continue the good work we started," Angela Harrelson, an aunt of Floyd and board co-chair of the Rise and Remember nonprofit, said in a statement. At nearby Phelps Field Park, a "Justice for George" exhibit showcased plywood murals from 2020. A few blocks from George Floyd Square, a few people walked by rows of cardboard headstones, each one emblazoned with the name of a Black person killed by police. The "Say Their Names" cemetery has stood since 2020, with the markers commemorating Laquan McDonald and Terence Crutcher and dozens more. Among those striding through the sprawling field was Roxanne Rawson, who moved to Iowa from the Twin Cities two years ago but returned to town for the anniversary. "I couldn't imagine being any place other than Minneapolis this weekend," said Rawson, who noted Floyd's death deepened her awareness of racial injustice. Rawson, who's white, snapped a picture with her phone of the placard commemorating Amir Locke, a 22-year-old Black man killed in 2022 by Minneapolis police. "Just seeing this, doesn't it overwhelm you?" Rawson said, gazing out at the rows of headstones. Floyd's death ignited a worldwide movement not only to make changes in policing but also to address systemic racial inequities in other areas of society. However, the commitment to that global movement's long-term legacy has been challenged. This year's milestone anniversary is marked by a stark contrast in the political atmosphere and societal acceptance of policing reforms, equity and racial justice work that had been widely called for in the aftermath of Floyd's death in 2020. On Wednesday, the Department of Justice filed to dismiss a consent decree agreement with Minneapolis that was supposed to entail sweeping reforms. There have also been rumors that President Donald Trump, who was the president when Floyd was killed, might pardon former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who was convicted in Floyd's murder. Publicly, Trump has given no credence to the rumors. The Trump administration has also tried to ban diversity, equity and inclusion programs throughout the country in the public and private sector. On Sunday morning outside what is now known as Unity Foods, Tom Johnson made his way through the flower-strewn memorial that marked where Floyd begged for air. Johnson, who lives in Golden Valley, said the current political "backlash," especially the Trump administration's campaign to dismantle diversity and equity initiatives, has cast a pall over the already somber day. Still, the 74-year-old said he hasn't lost hope that "a better society" will prevail. Visiting the square was a small way to push back against the presidential administration, Johnson said. "I don't know what to do. ... It's something," he said. For people who live nearby, Floyd's death has left a more complicated legacy. "People come here to pay respects, take pictures and leave," said 49-year-old Marquise Bowie, who lives two blocks away from the square. The people who live and work in the area "need more than just a celebration of a person," he said. "We need resources." Since 2020, Bowie said not much has changed. The community still badly needs more investment and the rate of Black homeownership remains low, he said. Meanwhile, many of the businesses that line the corridor haven't benefited from the droves of outsiders who visit the square. "I see our neighborhood just become a tourist spot without the financial benefits of tourism," he said. __________ Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
