George Floyd Square in Minneapolis has become a place of pilgrimage, where people from all over the world travel to commemorate the tragic events that impacted the world in May 2020. George Wright, who witnessed the murder and aftermath of George Floyd, takes participants on a historical journey through the area to learn about the events that occurred. Wright emphasizes the importance of reading the names of the 169 people who lost their lives due to police brutality and encourages people to research and learn more about their stories.
Despite the riots and shutdown that occurred after Floyd’s murder, the community has been working towards recovery. Business owner Cedric Steele, who runs the restaurant Just Turkey in the area, said that the closure forced the community itself to police, but this effort hurt himself and other businesses in the near future. However, he is optimistic about the positive changes occurring in the area, with new businesses and entrepreneurs occupying spaces that were once difficult to access.
Wright hopes that the events that occurred in George Floyd Square will not be forgotten and sees a shift in communities working together towards positive change. He emphasizes the need to make a difference and take a stance against police brutality and racial injustice.
As the three-year anniversary of George Floyd’s murder approaches, President Biden has called on Congress to enact meaningful police reform. Reg Chapman, a journalist for WCCO-TV, has been covering the aftermath and ongoing impact of the events that occurred in Minneapolis.