Three days of events will take place in downtown Minneapolis to commemorate the anniversary of George Floyd's death, which marked an inflection point in the movement for Black lives in Minneapolis and around the world.
Three days of events will commemorate the anniversary of George Floyd's death
Sister's foundation seeks unity and accountability.
May 20, 2021 at 5:08PM
From May 23 to 25, the George Floyd Memorial Foundation will hold a rally in front of the Hennepin County Government Center, panel discussions about translating 2020's season of protest into lasting policy changes and a celebration of life with food, inflatables and performances by gospel star Le'Andria Johnson as well as local musicians in the Commons park.
The foundation was created by Floyd's sister, Bridgett Floyd.
While Floyd's family has endured much pain in the past year, they also received "some triumph" through their record $27 million settlement with the city and the conviction of Derek Chauvin on all three charges, foundation director Jacari Harris said at a virtual news conference Thursday.
"Now it is time to continue the legacy of George Floyd, it is time to continue the good work. It is time to continue to hold our police officers accountable, our elected officials accountable. It is time to ensure that we bring healing and unity within the community," he said.
That includes taking stock of what has really changed since Floyd's death, Harris went on.
The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020, a raft of police reforms under deliberation in Congress, has not yet passed.
Scores of unarmed Black people, including Daunte Wright in Brooklyn Center and Andre Hill in Columbus, Ohio, have been killed by police since Floyd.
"I really thought my brother's death would be the last police brutality case, but as we can all see, they are at it again and again and again," Bridgett Floyd said.
"We are human beings. We bleed the same way they bleed. The same breath God put in our body, he puts in their body."
The George Floyd Memorial Foundation events will be held in downtown Minneapolis.
There will be food, music and a candlelight vigil from 1-9 p.m. Tuesday at 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, where Floyd took his last breath.
That event is organized by the George Floyd Global Memorial, founded by Jeanelle Austin, a lead occupier of the semi-autonomous zone known as George Floyd Square.
Worldwide Outreach for Christ, the longtime church at the intersection, also will have a cookout.
Events that remember George Floyd
Friday
Noon to 8 p.m.: Memorialize the Movement mural exhibit, Phelps Field Park, 701 E. 39th St., Minneapolis.
Saturday
Noon to 8 p.m.: Memorialize the Movement mural exhibit, Phelps Field Park, 701 E. 39th St., Minneapolis.
Sunday
Noon to 8 p.m.: Memorialize the Movement mural exhibit, Phelps Field Park, 701 E. 39th St., Minneapolis.
4 to 8 p.m.: The family of George Floyd, the Rev. Al Sharpton, local activists, elected officials, clergy and community leaders lead a rally and march. Begins outside the Hennepin County Courthouse, 300 S. 6th St., Minneapolis.
Monday
Noon to 1 p.m.: Activist DeRay Mckesson will lead discussion with family of victims of police killings, including Gwen Carr, the mother of Eric Garner; Sybrina Fulton, the mother of Trayvon Martin; and Katy and Aubrey Wright, parents of Daunte Wright. At the Westin Minneapolis, 88 S. 6th St., Minneapolis.
3 to 4 p.m.: Panel discussion on the State of Black and Brown America. Adriannette Williams, George Floyd Memorial Foundation board member, will lead the discussion at the W Minneapolis-The Foshay, 821 S. Marquette Av.
Tuesday
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.: A celebration of the life and legacy of George Floyd through Black culture, art, history and support of local businesses at the Commons, 425 S. Portland Av., Minneapolis.
1 to 9 p.m.: "Rise & Remember" is a daylong event that will include community art and children's activities, along with an open mic session and concerts featuring Sounds of Blackness and DJ Sophia Eris at 6 p.m. Candlelight vigil at 8 p.m. George Floyd Square, 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, Minneapolis.
8 p.m.: A vigil to honor the life of George Floyd, diversity, equity and inclusion at Mitchell Hamline School of Law, 875 Summit Av., St. Paul.
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