Cities tied to George Floyd mark the 5th anniversary of his death
Share this @internewscast.com

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Sunday marks the fifth anniversary of George Floyd’s murder by a Minneapolis police officer, and the occasion will be commemorated with religious services, concerts, and vigils. Police reform and civil rights advocates continue to feel resistance, particularly from policies enacted by the Trump administration.

In Minneapolis, the focal point of the events is George Floyd Square. This is the location where Officer Derek Chauvin infamously pinned Floyd to the ground by his neck with his knee for over nine minutes, ignoring Floyd’s desperate cries of “I can’t breathe.”

The commemorations kicked off on Friday with concerts, a street festival, and a “self-care fair.” They will reach their peak on Sunday with a worship service, a gospel music concert, and a candlelight vigil.

In Houston, where Floyd grew up, family members planned to gather Sunday at his gravesite for a memorial service led by the Rev. Al Sharpton. In a park about 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) away, a memorial service will take place, followed by five hours of music, preaching and poetry readings and a balloon release.

The remembrances come at a fraught moment for activists, who had hoped the worldwide protests that followed Floyd’s murder on May 25, 2020, would lead to permanent police reform across the U.S. and a continued focus on racial justice issues.

Even with Minneapolis officials’ promises to remake the police department, some activists contend the progress has come at a glacial pace.

“We understand that change takes time,” Michelle Gross, president of Communities United Against Police Brutality, said in a statement last week. “However, the progress being claimed by the city is not being felt in the streets.”

President Donald Trump’s administration moved Wednesday to cancel settlements with Minneapolis and Louisville that called for an overhaul of their police departments following the Floyd’s murder and the killing of Breonna Taylor. Under Democratic President Joe Biden, the U.S. Justice Department had aggressively pushed for aggressive oversight of local police it had accused of widespread abuses.

Trump also declared an end to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives within the federal government and his administration is using federal funds as leverage to force local governments, universities and public school districts to do the same. Republican-led states also have accelerated their efforts to stamp out DEI initiatives.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Texas Department of Public Safety closes Capitol grounds following 'credible threat' to lawmakers

Texas DPS Shuts Down Capitol Grounds Due to ‘Credible Threat’ Against Lawmakers

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! The Texas Department of…
Minnesota's slain Democratic leader saw liberal victories, then brokered a budget deal out of power

Minnesota’s Murdered Democratic Leader Witnessed Liberal Successes Before Negotiating a Budget Agreement from Outside Power

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A murdered Minnesota legislator was the leading Democrat in…
CA Congressman Looks to Defund, Revoke Nonprofit Status of Groups Involved in Inciting Riots

California Congressman Aims to Strip Funding and Nonprofit Status from Organizations Encouraging Riots

Following recent events in Los Angeles and other cities, Congressman Kevin Kiley…
Dubai skyscraper with 4,000 residents bursts into flames

Massive Fire Engulfs Dubai Skyscraper Housing 4,000 Residents

A major fire engulfed a 67-story residential skyscraper in Dubai’s upscale Marina…
American billionaires, Ryan Reynolds, LeBron James and Tom Brady have upended English soccer

American Billionaires Ryan Reynolds, LeBron James, and Tom Brady Transform English Soccer

The Americans are coming — and they’re buying up England’s football clubs.…
Accused Minnesota assassin Vance Boelter’s wife detained after traffic stop — cops find passports and weapon in car: report

Minnesota Murder Suspect Vance Boelter’s Wife Arrested Following Traffic Stop; Passports and Gun Discovered: Report

The spouse of alleged political assassin Vance Boetler is currently held for…
Iran fires another round of missiles at Israel, and explosions are heard in Tehran

Iran launches more missiles targeting Israel, causing explosions to be heard in Tehran.

At least three Israelis were killed and 14 civilians wounded Saturday night…
Protestors march carrying signs.

Shooting Victim in Critical Condition at ‘No Kings’ Rally; Police Detain Three Suspects

ONE person is in a life-threatening condition after being shot near a…
The Big Beautiful Bill will help us deport criminals and Make America Safe Again

The Comprehensive Bill Aims to Enhance Safety by Deporting Criminals

The recent Los Angeles riots have underscored the importance of Congress’ Big…
North Korea relaunches warship that suffered embarrassing failure during initial launch

North Korea Relaunches Warship Following Previous Launch Setback

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! North Korea has repaired…
Search continues for Vance Boelter, suspect in shooting of 2 Minnesota state lawmakers: What we know

Ongoing Hunt for Vance Boelter: Suspect in Shooting of Two Minnesota Lawmakers – Recent Updates

A large-scale search has entered its second day for a man accused…
'No Kings' protests take place in Jacksonville, Florida

‘Protesters Rally Against Monarchy in Jacksonville, Florida’

Organizers say the movement is aimed at rejecting authoritarianism and defending democratic…