On May 25, 2025, America marked five years since George Floyd was killed by a Minneapolis police officer. What began as one man’s final cry for breath became a global movement. Five years later, the echo of his words—“I can’t breathe”—continues to reverberate through protests, policy debates, art, and community demands for real change.
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George Floyd Commemorations Held Across the Country
This year’s fifth anniversary of George Floyd’s murder was not marked quietly. In Minneapolis, thousands gathered at George Floyd Square, now both a permanent memorial and a symbol of resistance. Vigils, art shows, public marches, and healing circles stretched across major U.S. cities.
Key highlights from the anniversary events:
- Candlelight tributes and silent marches took place in Minneapolis, New York, and Atlanta.
- Murals and digital installations were unveiled to tell the story of Floyd’s impact.
- Speakers, including youth leaders and Floyd’s family members, urged Americans to remember the man, not just the movement.
The streets may not be filled with the same volume of protests as 2020, but the spirit of change is still present.
What Has Changed Since George Floyd’s Death?
Legislation and police reform efforts saw an initial surge, yet five years later, much of that momentum has slowed. However, some concrete changes did take root:
Progress Made:
- Several states passed laws banning chokeholds and increasing police transparency.
- Body camera usage is now more widespread, and no-knock warrants are more restricted.
- Local communities are pushing for mental health responders instead of armed officers for non-violent incidents.
Still Lagging:
- A national policing reform bill has stalled.
- The rate of police violence remains largely unchanged.
- Civil rights investigations into police departments have decreased.
Communities are feeling the tension between the promises made and the progress realized.
George Floyd Square: Heart of Memory, Battle for Preservation
George Floyd Square, the intersection where Floyd took his final breaths, remains a focal point of activism. Community members have turned the space into more than a memorial—it’s become a political and cultural landmark. However, debates around its future are intensifying.
Community’s stance:
- Keep the square sacred and under local stewardship.
- Resist efforts to “beautify” or redevelop the space without accountability.
City planners argue:
- Infrastructure around the square needs attention.
- Integration of the space into the city must happen responsibly.
This ongoing tug-of-war reflects the broader national struggle: how do we honor history without diluting its impact?
Where Police Reform Stands in 2025
The urgency that followed Floyd’s death has met the political reality of divided government and waning attention spans. In 2025:
- Federal oversight of local police departments has been scaled back.
- Police unions have regained influence in several states.
- Reform efforts are shifting to local and grassroots levels.
Instead of waiting on Washington, communities are taking justice into their own hands—electing reform-minded district attorneys, reallocating city budgets, and building alternative safety models.
The Global Ripple Effect of George Floyd
George Floyd’s name didn’t just spark action in the United States. From London to Lagos, protests and policy debates erupted. In 2025, international discussions about policing, race, and colonial legacies often cite Floyd’s murder as a turning point.
Some nations have:
- Banned tear gas against peaceful protesters.
- Opened inquiries into race-based policing.
- Integrated anti-racism modules into education.
His death triggered a global awakening that still fuels conversations about justice and humanity.
George Floyd in Art, Culture, and Memory
Artists, filmmakers, writers, and musicians have ensured that George Floyd’s story won’t fade. Over the past five years:
- Documentaries about Floyd’s life and impact have won major awards.
- Poets have dedicated anthologies in his honor.
- Educational institutions have created curricula on race, policing, and American justice—centering George Floyd as a case study.
His memory is now woven into culture and conscience, far beyond the courtroom or the news cycle.
Five Years After Floyd: Are We Closer to Justice?
The nation is still grappling with this question. For some, the progress feels inadequate. For others, it’s the beginning of a long overdue shift. But nearly everyone agrees: George Floyd’s death changed something fundamental about how America sees itself.
In conversations about equity, justice, and humanity, George Floyd is no longer just a name—he’s a legacy. A symbol. A call to action.
Call To Action
Don’t let memory become complacency. Join a local group pushing for justice, attend a city council meeting, speak out. The road ahead is long, but silence is no longer an option.