George Floyd’s Murder Sparked a Global Movement—But the Fight Isn’t Over
On May 25, 2020, the world watched as George Floyd was murdered by a Minneapolis police officer—an event that ignited the largest racial justice protests in a generation. In the five years since, the intersection where he took his final breath—38th Street and Chicago Avenue—has become George Floyd Square, a sacred site of remembrance, protest, and healing.
But as the anniversary approaches, questions loom over what’s next. Should the space remain a pedestrian memorial? Or should it reopen to traffic to help local businesses recover? Minneapolis leaders remain divided.
Selwyn Jones, George Floyd’s Uncle, Speaks Out on 5th Anniversary
One voice that continues to ring loud in the fight for change is Selwyn Jones, George Floyd’s uncle and co-founder of the Justice 929 Organization, a nonprofit created in Floyd’s memory to demand accountability and civil rights reform.
“There’s been some changes but it’s not enough,” Jones said. “Every year innocent people are dying at the hands of police. People are losing their loved ones. It hasn’t stopped. We need to do better.”
Over the last five years, Selwyn has traveled the country meeting with families who’ve lost loved ones to police violence, turning his grief into grassroots activism. Justice 929 helps families facing injustice, supports the wrongfully convicted, and works with youth on mental health, homelessness, and gun violence prevention.
He’s also one of the co-creators of the MYTH app, a tech tool that allows users to record police interactions, alert emergency contacts, and store video safely on a secure server. His goal is clear: save lives and protect communities before the next name makes headlines.
George Floyd Square: Symbol of Resistance or Site of Revival?
While Floyd’s family and activists want George Floyd Square to remain a pedestrian-only memorial, city leaders—including Mayor Jacob Frey—argue reopening the intersection could revitalize struggling local businesses. In February, the City Council voted to move forward with a feasibility study on transforming the area into a permanent pedestrian plaza, overriding Frey’s veto.
The tension highlights a deeper conflict: how to honor Floyd’s legacy while addressing the practical needs of a city still reeling from the trauma.
Progress and Pushback: Where We Stand Now
The months after Floyd’s death brought bold promises from corporations, politicians, and police departments. But five years later, many of those pledges have fizzled. The term “woke” has been weaponized, and nationwide efforts for police reform have stalled in Congress. Meanwhile, police killings in America continue.
Yet the call for justice hasn’t faded. Thanks to voices like Selwyn Jones, and grassroots movements across the country, the work goes on.
A Legacy Still Being Written
With the 5th anniversary of Floyd’s death now here, his family, supporters, and community are still demanding more—not just remembrance, but reform. As Selwyn Jones said, “I’m pushing for progress because this fight is for all our children.”
Whether it’s through a memorial in Minneapolis or an app that protects lives in real time, George Floyd’s legacy continues to shape the movement for justice in America.
