![Five Years After George Floyd: A Nation Remembers, A Movement Marches On [Video]](https://balleralert.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Derek-Chauvin-x-George-Floyd-1536x864-1-e1592343873965.jpg)
George Floyd, the 46-year-old unarmed Black man, was killed in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on May 25, 2020, after former police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for over nine minutes during an arrest. Floyd repeatedly told officers he couldn’t breathe, but his pleas were ignored. The incident, captured on video by a bystander, sparked international outrage and became a rallying cry against police brutality and systemic racism, igniting one of the largest protest movements in U.S. history.
On May 25, 2025, communities across the United States gathered to commemorate the fifth anniversary of George Floyd’s death, a moment that ignited a global movement against racial injustice and police brutality.
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Houston Honors Its Native Son
In Houston, George Floyd’s hometown, Reverend Al Sharpton led a private memorial service at Houston Memorial Gardens, where Floyd is buried. Sharpton emphasized the importance of remembering Floyd and renewing the commitment to peace.
The Movement Festival, a four-day event organized by Floyd’s family and the nonprofit Kay Davis In the Community, featured public forums, art installations, and a gospel celebration at Tom Bass Regional Park. The festival aimed to honor Floyd’s legacy while fostering community reflection on social justice and healing.
This morning, I stood with members of George Floyd’s immediate family, Attorney Ben Crump, Georgia Rep. Nikema Williams, Commissioner Rodney Ellis, and others at Houston Memorial Gardens to mark five years since George’s life was taken.
I spoke at his funeral and burial, and I… pic.twitter.com/EywpQHTmgg
— Reverend Al Sharpton (@TheRevAl) May 25, 2025
Minneapolis Reflects at George Floyd Square
In Minneapolis, the site of Floyd’s death, George Floyd Square, became the focal point for remembrance. The Rise & Remember Festival hosted a series of events, including a candlelight vigil, gospel concert, and community gatherings. Attendees paid their respects at the makeshift memorials and participated in discussions about the ongoing fight for racial justice.
Humbled to share space with community at George Floyd Square to mark five years since his murder. In moments like these, we’re reminded of how deeply we are all connected. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/FW9cZY1WjE
— Mayor Melvin Carter (@MayorCarter) May 25, 2025
Nationwide Observances and Calls for Justice
Cities across the country held events to honor Floyd’s memory. In Portland, a coalition of organizations organized a protest and published a list of demands for local and state governments, including the creation of a Black Celebration Plaza and new programs to promote the health and safety of Black residents.
Despite the widespread commemorations, activists expressed frustration over the slow pace of police reform. The Trump administration’s recent rollback of federal oversight efforts for police departments in Minneapolis and Louisville, as well as the rescission of Executive Order 14074, which aimed to enhance police accountability, were seen as significant setbacks.
A Family’s Ongoing Grief and Hope
LaTonya Floyd, George Floyd’s sister, continues to mourn her brother’s loss deeply. Each year on May 25th, she visits his grave and sings REO Speedwagon’s “I’ll Keep on Loving You,” a tradition that symbolizes her enduring love. LaTonya also spends time at the “Conversations with George” statue in Houston’s Tom Bass Park, where she talks and prays with him.
As the nation reflects on the impact of George Floyd’s death, the call for meaningful change remains as urgent as ever. The commemorations serve not only as a tribute to Floyd’s life but also as a reminder of the work that still lies ahead in the pursuit of justice and equality.
