Every morning, locals gather at the corner of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in South Minneapolis, keeping alive a tradition of protest and communal healing that began four years prior.
Raycurt Johnson, echoing the poignant lyrics of a timeless spiritual, leads the assembly with a powerful message: “No one’s truly free until all are liberated.” His melodies, performed weekly by Brass Solidarity, echo throughout George Floyd Square, now a sacred space following the tragic death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police on May 25, 2020.
For Johnson and countless others, this intersection offers solace, a sanctuary for processing the trauma of witnessing Floyd’s unjust demise. What was once a bustling junction is now adorned with flowers, murals, and poignant sculptures, drawing visitors from far and wide.
Marcia Howard, a leading voice in the ongoing protest, describes George Floyd Square as a nexus of pain and community, a place where individuals gather to grieve, find solace, and educate themselves on the enduring struggle against systemic oppression.
Despite some strides, the community’s demands, articulated in a list of 24 essential requests, remain largely unaddressed by municipal authorities. While there have been advancements, particularly in public safety reforms, the community remains resolute in its pursuit of justice.
Alexander Kado, a representative of the city’s initiatives, acknowledges Minneapolis’s complicity in Floyd’s tragic death and the longstanding injustices endured by marginalized communities. The city actively seeks input from residents to chart the course for George Floyd Square’s future, acknowledging the imperative of racial healing and reconciliation.
As the global community reflects on George Floyd’s legacy, Howard issues a sobering call to action, cautioning against complacency. The “street of names” within George Floyd Square, a poignant tribute to victims of systemic violence, serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice.
In the midst of evolving protests and steadfast demands for accountability, George Floyd Square remains a beacon of resilience, unity, and the unyielding pursuit of equality.”