Community events planned for the anniversary of George Floyd’s death
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There are a series of events taking place Sunday through Tuesday to mark the one-year anniversary of George Floyd’s death.
On May 25, 2020, Floyd died after former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin pinned him to the ground with a knee on his neck. Three other former officers are awaiting trial in the case.
This year, the George Floyd Memorial Foundation has planned events in an effort to spread messages of peace and unity.
"George Floyd’s passing truly touched the world and his family and the Foundation will honor him with a series of events designed to bring the community together," Jacari Harris, the executive director of the George Floyd Memorial Foundation, said in a statement. "George was known as a person who would give a stranger the shirt off his back. We intend to deliver a message of kindness and love while highlighting important issues impacting communities around the country."
KSTP’s complete George Floyd coverage
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Here’s a look at planned events so far:
SUNDAY
Peaceful Rally and March – 4 p.m.: Floyd’s family will attend a march in downtown Minneapolis to educate "attendees on important action items that they can take to help bring about transformative change in their own communities."
MONDAY
Virtual Day of Action – all day: This event is in an effort to utilize social media as a social justice tool and how to reach out to local officials regarding legislative efforts.
"The State of Black and Brown America" panel discussion – 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.: This panel, to be held at the Westin Minneapolis, will center on racial equality topics related to the economy, employment, education, health, housing, criminal justice, and civic participation. Civil rights activist DeRay Mckesson will moderate and panelists include Gwen Carr, mother of Eric Garner; Sybrina Fulton, the mother of Trayvon Martin; Katy and Aubrey Wright, parents of Daunte Wright; Clinton Jones, Sr. and Kattie Jones, father and stepmother of Corey Jones; and Allisa Findley, Botham Jean’s sister.
"From Protest to Policy" panel discussion – 3 – 4 p.m.: This panel will be held at the W Minneapolis – The Foshay and Adriannette Williams, George Floyd Memorial Foundation board member, will moderate. Panelists include Angela Myers, president of the NAACP Minneapolis; Tylik McMillan, national director of Youth & College National Action Network; Myisha T. Hill, founder of Check Your Privilege; Elsie Carmona Quiterio, youth activist with the Minneapolis NAACP Youth Committee and poet with Afro Mexican Women; Jerome Treadwell, president of the St. Paul NAACP Youth Council and co-founder of MN Teen Activist; Tay Elhindi, president of Visual Black Justice; and Myra Dukes, family of Ma’Khia Bryant.
Press Conference and Rally for Justice for All Lives Stolen – 4 p.m.: Organizers said this rally, at the Minnesota Capitol in St. Paul, is being held to push for legislative changes to achieve "justice for all other stolen lives and to end police violence."
TUESDAY
Celebration of Life and Remembrance – 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.: An event at Commons Park near U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis to recognize Black culture, art and history and to support locally-owned businesses. There will be special guest appearances as well as musical performances. More information on this event can be found here.
NOTE: This event’s location has been updated from Powderhorn Park to Commons Park.
"Rise and Remember at George Floyd Square" event – 1 p.m., vigil at 8 p.m.: An outdoor festival will take place at the intersection of East 38th Street and Chicago Avenue will take place and will include food, kids’ activities and live music. A candlelight vigil will take place at 8 p.m.
ABC News – "After Floyd: The Year that Shook the World – A Soul of a Nation Special" – 9 p.m.: ABC News will air a special edition of "Soul of a Nation" Tuesday night, featuring interviews with Floyd’s family, civil rights attorney Ben Crump, and civil rights leader and National Action Network President Rev. Al Sharpton, among others. Daytime talk show host Tamron Hall and co-anchor T.J. Holmes will host the one-hour special from Minneapolis. It will air on 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS starting at 9 p.m.
View a timeline of events via the interactive timeline below or here if you’re the KSTP app.