Leslie Redmond led a moment of silence for George Floyd as family members Angela Harrelson, Paris Stevens, Laura Stevens, Mahalia Jones, friends, and community members paid their respects at a memorial site for Floyd. This somber event took place where he was tragically murdered by former police officer Derek Chauvin in Minneapolis, Minnesota, US on Friday. It was ahead of the fifth anniversary of his untimely death. The emotions were raw as individuals gathered to honor Floyd’s memory and reflect on the impact his passing had on the world.
Fighting to Preserve George Floyd’s Legacy
Shareeduh McGee is on a mission to ensure that her cousin George Floyd is never forgotten. Following Floyd’s death in May 2020, millions worldwide took to the streets to protest his unjust killing. His final words, “I can’t breathe,” echoed around the globe, sparking a movement for police accountability and racial justice. Despite the initial momentum, the five-year mark since Floyd’s murder reveals a troubling shift in support for racial equity initiatives in the US.
Backlash Against Racial Equity Efforts
The commitments once made by corporate America and the government to address systemic discrimination are now facing rollbacks and eliminations. Diversity, equity, and inclusion policies are under scrutiny, with President Donald Trump’s administration targeting them. Shareeduh McGee expressed disappointment over these setbacks, emphasizing the need for tangible change to honor Floyd’s memory effectively. The Department of Justice’s decision to drop oversight following Floyd’s death and other police killings of Black Americans further highlights the regression in the fight for racial justice. Despite ongoing advocacy efforts, the road ahead appears challenging, marked by intense opposition to diversity initiatives and civil rights advances.
