Thousands mark 5th anniversary of George Floyd's murder as they call for justice and decry Trump
MINNEAPOLIS: Police reform and civil-rights activists joined thousands of ordinary people Sunday to mark the fifth anniversary of George Floyd's murder and decry the Trump administration for actions they say set their efforts back decades.
The Rev. Al Sharpton said at a graveside service with the dead man's family in Houston that Floyd, 46, represented all of those 'who are defenseless against people who thought they could put their knee on our neck.'
He compared Floyd's killing to that of Emmett Till, a 14-year-old Black child who was abducted, mutilated and slain in Mississippi in 1955 after being accused of offending a white woman.
'What Emmett Till was in his time, George Floyd has been for this time in history,' Sharpton said.
Site of his death
Events in Minneapolis centered around George Floyd Square, the intersection where police Officer Derek Chauvin used his knee to pin Floyd's neck to the pavement for 9 1/2 minutes, even as Floyd cried 'I can't breathe.'
By midday Sunday, a steady stream of people were paying their respects at a memorial in front of Cup Foods, where he was killed. Across the street, activists had set up a feeding area at an old gas station that has often served as a staging area since Floyd's death. In the middle of the street, a fake pig's head was mounted on a stick. The head wore a police cap.
Events started Friday with music, a street festival and a 'self-care fair.' It culminated Sunday evening when hundreds gathered at the square for a candlelit vigil that included a worship service, a gospel concert and speeches calling for racial justice. A brass band then led the crowd on a short march through city streets.
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