George Floyd: Two Years On
Two years ago, on 25 May 2020, George Floyd was murdered. It was an event that “changed the world” as his young daughter put it.
Those nine minutes and 29 seconds that were shared countless times over various social media platforms catalyzed protests across the globe - people took to the streets compelled to act in countries ranging from South America to Seoul, all chanting, exclaiming, believing the same thing: “Black Lives Matter”.
George Floyd was a man, a human being. A father, a son, a brother, a boyfriend. He did not deserve to die.
So, what has changed?
May 25 2021: One year on from Floyd’s death
As the 25th May 2021 marked a year since Floyd’s passing, and the nation honored his life with memorial events and marches, several members of Floyd’s family visited President Biden, with the aim of passing the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.
George Floyd Justice in Policing Act: This is a human rights and police reform bill that aims to combat police misconduct, excessive force and racial bias in policing.
Unfortunately, it seems as though this act remains out of reach, highlighting how we must keep fighting for change.
The current situation…
The number of police killings continues to rise. Despite the widespread demands for US police reform in the powerful racial demonstrations triggered by Floyd’s death, the nonprofit research group Mapping Police Violence revealed that in 2021 police killed 1,136 people. As of April 2022, 249 have already lost their lives at the hands of police.
Even more shockingly, there have only been four days since the start of the year when law enforcement officers have not killed anyone.
Such shocking killings indicate that we still have a long way to go, especially for deep-rooted and long-lasting change.
What can I do?
Keep fighting for change. Most importantly, educate yourself!
Check this out: https://www.itsnicethat.com/news/resources-supporting-black-lives-matter-movement-creative-industry-010620#.YK_g7VTgf9Q.twitter
Although this article dates back to a few weeks after Floyd’s killing, it lists a wealth of charities and funds, petitions to sign, and articles and resources to read. For non-Black allies, articles such as “75 things white people can do for racial injustice” are a great way to start. If reading isn’t your thing, it lists several audiovisual sources too.
Fighting for change isn’t easy. It won’t always be uphill and sometimes progress isn’t even visual. Ending systemic violence against Black Americans will not happen overnight. But there is power in remembering, in saying the names of those who were unjustly killed, of honoring their memory, and ensuring those responsible are held accountable. George Floyd’s name cannot and will not be forgotten.