Four years after George Floyd's murder at the hands of Derek Chauvin, his family is still fighting to preserve the Minneapolis intersection where he died as sacred ground. The site—marked by makeshift memorials and community tributes—has become a flashpoint for debates over how to honor Floyd’s legacy. His uncle and cousin recently revisited the location, where barriers and fading signs stand as reminders of both grief and resilience. The family sees the space as irreplaceable, a place where "blood" was spilled and history was made.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about a patch of pavement—it’s about who gets to decide how we remember injustice. The fight over this space reflects deeper struggles: Is it a crime scene, a memorial, or a catalyst for change? For Floyd’s family, it’s all three. Their push to protect it shows how the physical places where trauma unfolds can become symbols of both loss and the fight for accountability. And for the public, it’s a test of whether promises made in 2020’s upheaval will translate into lasting respect.

Five years after George Floyd's murder, the authors argue that while the "Defund the Police" movement didn’t achieve all its goals, it fundamentally shifted how America talks about policing. They reflect on the lasting impact of the 2020 protests, emphasizing that real change takes more than one explosive moment—it’s an ongoing fight.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a look back at a tragic event—it’s a reminder that movements evolve. Even if headlines move on, the conversations sparked in 2020 are still shaping policies and attitudes today. For anyone who cares about police reform, it’s a call to stay engaged, not just nostalgic.

Five years ago, George Floyd’s murder by a Minneapolis police officer ignited global outrage and protests against systemic racism and police violence. NPR’s Michel Martin revisits the city to assess whether the promises of reform and racial justice have translated into real change—or if progress has stalled. The piece digs into what’s different (or not) in policing, community trust, and policy since that pivotal moment.

Editor’s Note: Floyd’s death became a rallying cry for racial equity, but this story forces us to ask: Did the outrage lead to lasting action, or did the momentum fade? It’s a gut check on whether society delivers on its pledges when the spotlight dims—something that matters to anyone who cares about accountability and real change.

Five years after George Floyd's murder sparked global Black Lives Matter protests, this article gathers reflections from writers and activists worldwide. They explore the movement's lasting impact—from initial waves of solidarity to the complex mix of progress and setbacks that followed. The piece captures both the hope ignited by mass demonstrations and the sobering reality of how much work remains.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a look back at a moment in history—it’s a reality check on how far (or not) we’ve come. The global response to Floyd’s murder forced conversations about systemic racism into the mainstream, but the mixed perspectives here show that real change is messy, uneven, and far from finished. For readers invested in racial justice, it’s a chance to reflect on what protest can—and can’t—achieve.

Five years after George Floyd was killed by a police officer in Minneapolis, cities connected to his life—like his hometown and the place where he died—are holding memorials, concerts, and vigils to honor him. The events reflect both remembrance and the ongoing push for racial justice his death sparked.

Editor’s Note: Floyd’s murder became a flashpoint for nationwide protests against police violence and systemic racism. These anniversaries aren’t just about looking back—they’re a reminder of how much (or how little) has changed since then, and why the fight for accountability and reform still matters.

This piece paints a fuller picture of George Floyd—not just as a symbol of racial injustice, but as a real person shaped by his upbringing in Houston’s housing projects. Friends and neighbors remember him as someone who earned respect by speaking honestly about life’s struggles, even if his story wasn’t unique. His death, however, became a seismic moment that forced the world to confront systemic racism.

Editor’s Note: Floyd’s story isn’t just about one tragic event—it’s about how ordinary lives can become catalysts for extraordinary change. By humanizing him beyond the headlines, the article reminds us why his death sparked a global reckoning. It’s a call to see the people behind the movements, and why their lived experiences matter.

This article reflects on the profound impact of a police murder that ignited global protests and forced a long-overdue reckoning with systemic racism and police brutality. It explores how the tragedy became a catalyst for change, inspiring movements, policy debates, and cultural shifts—even as the fight for justice continues.

Editor’s Note: While the story centers on a painful event, it’s really about how moments of injustice can galvanize collective action. The ripple effects—from protests to policy reforms—show why this isn’t just a historical footnote but an ongoing struggle with deep societal implications. It’s a reminder of both how far we’ve come and how much further there is to go.