Activists Reflect on George Floyd’s Legacy Five Years After His Death

HOUSTON, Texas (Reuters) — Shareeduh McGee is fighting to keep the memory of her cousin George Floyd alive as the fifth anniversary of his death approaches. Floyd, a Black man from Minneapolis, died on May 25, 2020, after an officer knelt on his neck for several minutes. His final words, ‘I can’t breathe,’ became a rallying cry for protests demanding police accountability and racial justice across the globe.

Despite the momentum for change sparked by Floyd’s death, recent years have shown a significant decline in support for racial equity initiatives. McGee expressed her disappointment in the rollback of commitments from corporate America and federal policies aimed at addressing systemic discrimination during a Houston event to commemorate Floyd’s life.

‘Floyd’s murder was an ultimate sacrifice, and if we don’t create opportunities to learn from it, then it was in vain,’ McGee said. She voiced concerns over the Justice Department’s decisions regarding police reforms and the fate of activists fighting for justice.

Despite setbacks, advocates continue to push for social justice. NAACP President Derrick Johnson stated that Floyd’s death illuminated the treatment of Black individuals in America and noted that while progress was made, a backlash against diversity efforts is evident.

‘There is an unfortunate fatigue in this country,’ Johnson said. ‘The struggle for racial justice continues, but it’s met with significant resistance.’

Experts have noted that reactions to progress often include periods of backlash, with Nadia Brown, a Georgetown University professor, highlighting how quickly the gains made after Floyd’s death have started to erode. A recent Pew Research survey revealed that 72% of adults believe the focus on racial inequality has not led to meaningful change, and 67% of Black Americans doubt the possibility of achieving true racial equality.

In a ceremony in Houston, Floyd’s family called for renewed efforts toward police reform. Brooke Williams, Floyd’s niece, emphasized the importance of political engagement and voting for officials who support social justice initiatives.

‘We need to be the change that we want to see,’ she said.

Floyd’s death led to sweeping protests that reshaped discussions about race and policing in America. While some reforms have been initiated, resistance to these changes poses a significant threat to any progress made. Rev. Al Sharpton announced plans for a large march in August to hold corporations accountable for their commitments to diversity and inclusion.

As the nation grapples with the legacy of George Floyd, many advocate for a renewed focus on systems that ensure equality and justice for all.