Community Prepares to Mark Anniversary of George Floyd's Death

Racial Reckoning: The Arc of Justice

Rallies and many other events are planned across the Twin Cities for the next five days. Meanwhile, it looks like Congress will fail to pass the George Floyd Policing Act by May 25.

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Feven Gerezgiher reports:

Aniya Allen, the 6-year-old struck by a stray bullet, died on Wednesday afternoon. Hundreds gathered for a vigil in the evening, calling for an end to gun violence in North Minneapolis.

Meanwhile, state and national legislators continue to negotiate needed changes for public safety. President Joe Biden had urged Congress to pass policing reform by the anniversary of Floyd’s death on May 25th. A co-author of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, however, says it will not pass by that deadline.

Rallies and many other events are planned across the Twin Cities for the days leading up to the anniversary. Jacari Harris, executive director for the Floyd family’s foundation, wants to use the moment to reflect.

“When we look back to this past year, we asked ourselves what has changed,” said Harris. “Well, the George Floyd Policing Act has not been signed into law. That has not changed. When we look at elected officials, when we look at community development, when we look at so many issues, many things have not changed.”

Jeanelle Austin is the lead caretaker for the George Floyd Global Memorial. She said the anniversary allows people to be in community.

“When George Floyd was lynched last year, the world collectively grieved,” said Austin. “And I think there is something powerful and important to allow ourselves to pause to remember what we went through together and to hold space with one another. And to remember that we’re still here for one another. And we’re still moving forward toward the work of justice.”

The Floyd family will host a rally in downtown Minneapolis on Sunday. At George Floyd Square, the remembrance event is on Tuesday.