Minneapolis Uprising: The Murder of George Floyd

May 2021

George Floyd Square, the Rise and Remember Anniversary

May 1–31, 2021 Minneapolis

May 2021 marked one year since the murder of George Floyd. Protesters and community members gathered for commemorations, marches, and memorial events across Minneapolis.

George Floyd Square hosted large gatherings honoring Floyd’s life while reinforcing calls for systemic reform. The anniversary brought national and international attention back to Minneapolis.

The month emphasized remembrance, accountability, and continued protest momentum.

Key dates

May 25, 2021 — One-year anniversary of George Floyd’s murder marked by large gatherings and memorial events.

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Wendy's being rebuilt after riots — May 4, 2021 — A worker installs equipment inside the nearly completed Wendy's restaurant in South Minneapolis, nearly one year after the building was destroyed by fire during civil unrest in the summer of 2020. The phrase "Blood on His Hands" is visible on the construction barrier out front.

Gandhi Mahal property in South Minneapolis — May 4, 2021 — Straw fencing surrounds the former Gandhi Mahal building in South Minneapolis, a site impacted by the unrest following the murder of George Floyd in 2020.

Super USA corner store in Minneapolis boarded with yellow plywood at night. — May 4, 2021 — Super USA convenience store at 3801 Minnehaha Avenue in South Minneapolis.

Hand-written sign reading "we support BLM Black Lives Matter" taped to a Minneapolis corner store window. — May 4, 2021 — Corner stores across Minneapolis displayed handmade signs like this one, declaring support for Black Lives Matter, following the police killing of George Floyd in May 2020. Many small business owners posted such messages on their storefronts and security gates during the unrest and protests that followed, both as an expression of solidarity and, in some cases, as a way to prevent damage to their property. Stores in the Lake Street and South Minneapolis corridors, close to the site of Floyd's death, were especially likely to carry these markings well into 2021.

Handwritten sign reading "Racism is small dick energy" placed at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis. — May 4, 2021 — George Floyd Square sits at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis, at the site where George Floyd died in police custody on May 25, 2020. Following his death, the intersection became a self-sustained memorial and protest gathering space, with residents barricading traffic and maintaining art installations, murals, and handwritten signs. Many of the signs left at the square address racism and police violence directly, reflecting the ongoing activism centered at the site. The square remained under community control for over a year before the city moved to reopen it to vehicle traffic in 2021.

Fire Arts Center in George Floyd Square in May 2021 — May 5, 2021 — The Fire Arts Center, located at 3749 Chicago Avenue in South Minneapolis, became a focal point for community expression following the murder of George Floyd in 2020. The center's storefront displays tributes and messages related to the Black Lives Matter movement and the ongoing fight for justice. The surrounding area, known as George Floyd Square, transformed into a memorial and gathering space, reflecting the community's response to racial injustice and police brutality.

Sun sets behind The Peoples Way at George Floyd Square — May 5, 2021 — The Peoples Way at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis. The area has been a place of protest since the May 2020 killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police officers.

Indigenous Solidarity In Black Liberation protest sign — May 6, 2021 — A sign reading "INDIGENOUS SOLIDARITY IN BLACK LIBERATION" is attached to security fencing outside the Brooklyn Center Police Department. The sign, along with another listing names under the heading "REOPEN ALL THE CASES!", appeared following the death of Daunte Wright.

Protest signs around Brooklyn Center police station — May 6, 2021 — Temporary security fencing surrounds the Brooklyn Center Police Department in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, following the death of Daunte Wright in April 2021. The fencing, erected to manage crowds and secure the building, became a canvas for public expression.

Pro Palestine march through downtown Minneapolis — May 11, 2021 — A large crowd gathered for a Pro-Palestine march on Chicago Avenue in downtown Minneapolis. Participants carried signs and flags, expressing solidarity with Palestine. This event reflects ongoing global dialogues and local activism concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Pro Palestine protesters march in downtown Minneapolis — May 11, 2021 — Protesters marched through downtown Minneapolis in solidarity with Palestine. The mural on the brick building reads, "Love is Love, Injustice Anywhere Threatens Justice Everywhere. Science is Real. Water is Life. Women's Rights are Human Rights. When Black Lives Matter, Then All Lives Will Matter. Kindness is Everything."

Free face masks on South Minneapolis fence — May 13, 2021 — During the COVID-19 pandemic and the period of civil unrest following the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, residents offered mutual aid to their neighbors. This photograph shows a collection of free face masks hung on a chain-link fence in South Minneapolis, with a sign indicating they are available for anyone to take. The gesture reflects a community's response to public health needs and social solidarity during a challenging time.

Roller skating at George Floyd Square — May 16, 2021 — The "Roll Skate Bounce" event took place at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis, a location that became a focal point for protests and community organizing following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. The square, formerly known as the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, was transformed into a space for remembrance, activism, and community gatherings.

Read the Demands at George Floyd Square — May 18, 2021 — A sign at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis reads "READ THE DEMANDS, 1 DOWN 3 TO GO! & JUSTICE 4 STREETS." This message reflects the ongoing activism and demands for justice following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. The square, established in the summer of 2020, became a focal point for protests against racial injustice and police brutality.

Everything Must Go sign on a Minneapolis police station — May 19, 2021 — A banner reading "Everything Must Go!!!" is displayed on the fencing surrounding the Minneapolis Police Third Precinct building. The precinct was heavily damaged during protests following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020.

Midtown Corner redevelopment progress — May 19, 2021 — Construction continues on the Midtown Corner apartment building in Minneapolis, which was damaged during the May 2020 riots. The building, located in South Minneapolis, was under construction when it was set ablaze. The current work signifies the rebuilding and continuation of development in the area following the unrest.

All Are Welcome here at Urban Outfitters — May 20, 2021 — A Black Lives Matter statement is posted on the door of an Urban Outfitters store in Minneapolis. The notice states that store staff reject racial injustice and that all are welcome, placing the retailer among businesses that publicly aligned themselves with racial-equity protests after the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis in May 2020. Made about a year later, the posting shows how such statements remained part of storefront messaging in the city in May 2021.

Daunte Wright mural on West Lake Street — May 20, 2021 — A mural honoring Daunte Wright adorns the exterior of Minnesota Food Grocery on West Lake Street in Minneapolis. The mural appeared following the killing of Daunte Wright by police in nearby Brooklyn Center in April 2021, an event that sparked protests and unrest in the Twin Cities.

Movie screening at George Floyd Square People's Way — May 21, 2021 — Community members gather at The People's Way in George Floyd Square, Minneapolis, for an outdoor screening of the documentary "Mayor." This gathering reflects the ongoing use of the space as a community hub and a site of cultural and political expression, following the murder of George Floyd in 2020. The area, formerly known as the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, became a focal point for protests and a symbol of resistance. The People's Way itself is a testament to the community's efforts to reclaim and repurpose public space for collective use and dialogue.

Save the Boards to Memorialize The Movement exhibit — May 22, 2021 — The "Save the Boards to Memorialize the Movement" exhibit is displayed at Phelps Park in Minneapolis, adjacent to George Floyd Square. The exhibition features 87 of the nearly 1,000 salvaged boards that were part of the protests and uprisings following the murder of George Floyd in 2020. These boards, often adorned with art and messages of solidarity, serve as a collective memorial to the movement for racial justice.

Save The Boards exhibit at Phelps Park — May 22, 2021 — The "Save The Boards to Memorialize the Movement" exhibit, which displayed 87 of nearly a thousand salvaged boards, was held at Phelps Park in Minneapolis, adjacent to George Floyd Square. The central board features a quote attributed to Martin Luther King Jr.: "True peace is not merely the absence of tension, it is the presence of justice." Other boards include artwork and slogans such as "The Oppressor Does Not Get to Define The Oppressed" and "We fight today for a better tomorrow." This exhibit served as a memorial to the Minneapolis Uprising and the broader struggle for racial justice.

Memorialize The Movement exhibit in Minneapolis — May 22, 2021 — The "Save the Boards to Memorialize the Movement" exhibit is displayed at Phelps Park, adjacent to George Floyd Square in Minneapolis. This exhibition showcases 87 of the nearly one thousand plywood boards that were collected and preserved. These boards, originally used as protective coverings during protests and unrest following the murder of George Floyd in 2020, have been transformed into a memorial.

Al Sharpton speaks at George Floyd rally in Minneapolis — May 23, 2021 — Reverend Al Sharpton speaks at a rally in downtown Minneapolis on April 28, 2021. The event commemorated the one-year anniversary of George Floyd's murder by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. Floyd's death, captured on video, sparked widespread protests against racial injustice and police brutality across the United States and globally. This rally was part of ongoing efforts to remember Floyd and advocate for police reform.

Minnesota politicians at George Floyd rally — May 23, 2021 — Minnesota officials, including Governor Tim Walz and Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith, attended a George Floyd Remembrance Rally at the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis. The rally marked an anniversary of Floyd's murder, which occurred on May 25, 2020, in Minneapolis. His death, captured on video, sparked widespread protests against racial injustice and police brutality across the United States and globally.

Protesters walk past Bob Dylan mural by Kobra in Minneapolis — May 23, 2021 — Protesters march through downtown Minneapolis, passing by Eduardo Kobra's "Bob Dylan" mural. This march occurred following a George Floyd Remembrance rally at the Hennepin County Courthouse.

Say Their Names Cemetery in Minneapolis at dusk — May 24, 2021 — The "Say Their Names Cemetery" in Minneapolis, established a block from George Floyd Square, honors victims of racial injustice and police brutality.

We Love Lake Street sign at the Laundromat — May 24, 2021 — A sign on Lake Street in Minneapolis reads "WE LAKE ST THANK YOU FOR DONATING $12 MILLION TO SUPPORT LAKE ST BUSINESSES." This message reflects community support and financial aid efforts following the unrest and damage that occurred in Minneapolis in 2020. Lake Street, a major commercial corridor, was significantly impacted by the events, leading to widespread destruction of businesses.

George Floyd Square on anniversary of Floyds murder — May 25, 2021 — A large crowd gathers at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis on the one-year anniversary of George Floyd's murder. The intersection, located at 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, became a focal point for protests and community organizing following Floyd's death in May 2020. This gathering marks a year of continued activism and remembrance at the site, which has been transformed into a space for community expression and memorialization.

Angela Harrelson speaks at George Floyd Square in 2021 — May 25, 2021 — Angela Harrelson, aunt of George Floyd, addresses a crowd at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis on May 25, 2021. The gathering marked the one-year anniversary of Floyd's murder by a Minneapolis police officer. The intersection, located at 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, became a focal point for protests and a symbol of racial justice movements following Floyd's death.

Mural painting at Geroge Floyd Square — May 25, 2021 — A mural being painted at George Floyd Square in May 2021.

Dancing at George Floyd Square — May 25, 2021 — A community medic dances at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis on the one-year anniversary of his murder. The square, located at the intersection of Chicago Avenue and 38th Street, became a focal point for protests and activism following Floyd's death in May 2020. It was occupied by activists for months, transforming into a space for community organizing and remembrance.

Community gathered at George Floyd Square 1 year later — May 25, 2021 — A large crowd gathered at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis on the one-year anniversary of George Floyd's murder. The intersection, located at 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, became a focal point for protests and a memorial following Floyd's death in May 2020.

Large crowd at George Floyd Square 1 year later — May 25, 2021 — On the one-year anniversary of George Floyd's murder, a large gathering took place at 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis, an area that became known as George Floyd Square.

George Floyd memorial 1 year later — May 25, 2021 — A gathering took place at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis on the one-year anniversary of George Floyd's murder. The intersection, which became a focal point for protests following Floyd's death in May 2020, was transformed into a community space and memorial. Attendees observed the anniversary with tributes, speeches, and communal reflection.

Jaylani Hussein speaks at George Floyd Square — May 25, 2021 — Jaylani Hussein, representing the Council on American-Islamic Relations of Minnesota (CAIR-MN), speaks at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis on the one-year anniversary of George Floyd's murder. The square, located at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, became a focal point for protests and activism following Floyd's death in May 2020.

Toussaint Morrison speaks at Rise and Remember — May 25, 2021 — Toussaint Morrison speaking to the crowd at Rise and Remember 2021 at George Floyd Square.

Couple raise fists at George Floyd Square — May 25, 2021 — On the one-year anniversary of George Floyd's murder, community members gathered at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis, a site that became known as George Floyd Square. The gathering marked a year since Floyd's death, which occurred nearby and sparked widespread protests and a global movement for racial justice. The square became a focal point for activism and community organizing in the aftermath of the murder.

Young child raises her fist at George Floyd Square — May 25, 2021 — A child raises a fist in solidarity at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis during the "Rise and Remember" event in 2021. This location became a focal point for protests and activism following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. The "Rise and Remember" event commemorated the ongoing struggle for racial justice and remembrance of those lost to police brutality.

Rise and Remember stage at George Floyd Square — May 25, 2021 — A stage is set up at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis for a "Rise & Remember" celebration marking the one-year anniversary of George Floyd's murder. The event featured musical performances and was organized by a coalition of community groups, including the George Floyd Global Memorial and the Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center. This gathering served as a memorial and a call for continued action and remembrance in the wake of Floyd's death and the subsequent protests.

George Floyd Square Fist on 1 year anniversary May 21 — May 25, 2021 — A memorial stands at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis on the one-year anniversary of his murder. The square, located at the intersection of East 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, became a focal point for protests and activism following Floyd's death in May 2020. The memorial features portraits of Floyd and other victims of police brutality, flowers, stuffed animals, and signs demanding justice. The "Rise and Remember 2021" event marked a year of continued remembrance and advocacy for racial justice in the city and beyond.

Common at George Floyd Square in May 2021 — May 25, 2021 — Rapper Common and the gospel group Sounds of Blackness performed at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis on May 25, 2021, marking the one-year anniversary of George Floyd's murder. The performance took place at the intersection, which had been occupied by protesters and transformed into a memorial and community space following Floyd's death.

Common performing at George Floyd Square — May 25, 2021 — Grammy award-winning artist Common performs at the George Floyd Global Memorial in Minneapolis on the one-year anniversary of George Floyd's murder. The memorial site, established at the intersection where Floyd was killed, serves as a space for remembrance and community gathering. The performance, featuring the song "Glory" with the Sound of Blackness, was part of a larger event to "Rise & Remember" the victims of police brutality and racial injustice.

People on billboards at George Floyd Square — May 25, 2021 — On the one-year anniversary of George Floyd's murder, community members gathered at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis. The square, located at the intersection of East 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, has been under community control since May 26, 2020. Attendees watched a performance by Common and The Sound of Blackness from atop rooftop billboards.

Grilling out at Rise and Remember 2021 — May 25, 2021 — A community barbecue, "Rise and Remember 2021," was held at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis on the anniversary of George Floyd's murder. The event brought together residents for a gathering that included food preparation, as seen with the large smoker in the foreground. George Floyd Square, formerly the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, became a focal point for protests and community organizing following Floyd's death in May 2020.

Rise and Remember Fist in May 2021 — May 25, 2021 — A crowd gathers at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis on May 25, 2021, marking the one-year anniversary of George Floyd's murder. The intersection, which became a focal point for protests following Floyd's death, was transformed into a memorial and community space. The gathering includes a large sculpture of a raised fist, adorned with flowers and tributes, and a Pan-African flag flying overhead. This site serves as a potent symbol of the ongoing movement for racial justice and a place of remembrance for Floyd and other victims of police brutality.

George Floyd 1 year anniversary candles — May 25, 2021 — Candles bearing the names of victims of police violence are illuminated at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis. The memorial was established following the murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, and has since become a site of remembrance and protest. The names on the candles, such as Breonna Taylor and others, represent individuals whose lives were lost due to police brutality.

Say Their Names Cemetery on 1 year anniversary — May 25, 2021 — The Say Their Names Cemetery in Minneapolis, established on the one-year anniversary of George Floyd's murder, serves as a memorial to victims of racial injustice and police brutality. The temporary installation features headstones bearing the names of individuals, including George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Philando Castile, and others, alongside candles and floral tributes.

Minneapolis Police station 1 year after George Floyd's murder — May 26, 2021 — Art and messages adorn the perimeter of the Minneapolis Police Third Precinct building, one year after the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers. The precinct was a focal point during the widespread protests and unrest that followed Floyd's death. The artwork and signage reflect calls for justice, accountability, and healing in the community.

Rebuilt AutoZone with a Now Hiring sign in May 2021 — May 26, 2021 — The AutoZone on East Lake Street in Minneapolis is shown under reconstruction in May 2021. This location was notably the first business to be set on fire during the 2020 Minneapolis uprising, which followed the murder of George Floyd. The "now hiring" sign reflects the ongoing rebuilding efforts in the area following the unrest.

Midtown Sheraton from the Midtown Greenway — May 28, 2021 — The Allina Commons building, formerly the Midtown Sheraton Hotel, stands in South Minneapolis. The structure, originally built as a hotel, has been repurposed and is now part of the Allina Health system. Adjacent to the building is the Midtown Greenway, a popular urban trail developed on a former railroad corridor. The Greenway provides a vital link for cyclists and pedestrians through the city, connecting various neighborhoods and parks.

Minneapolis police station 1 year after it was burned — May 28, 2021 — The Minneapolis Police Third Precinct stands fortified one year after it was set ablaze during protests following the murder of George Floyd. The building, a key law enforcement facility for the south Minneapolis area, sustained significant damage during the unrest in May 2020. The surrounding area has been secured with concrete barriers and fencing, reflecting the ongoing impact of the events and the community's response to police actions.

May 28 forever sign on Minneapolis police station — May 28, 2021 — A sign reading "May 28th Forever" is affixed to the fence surrounding the Minneapolis Police Third Precinct. This date marks the one-year anniversary of the precinct being set ablaze during protests following the murder of George Floyd.

Minneapolis police gather 1 year after George Floyd's murder — May 28, 2021 — Police officers and a chaplain gather at the Minneapolis Police Department's Third Precinct on May 28, 2021, the one-year anniversary of the precinct's burning during civil unrest. The precinct was compromised on May 28, 2020, following the murder of George Floyd.

Minneapolis police hold a religious ceremony 1 year after the precinct burned. — May 28, 2021 — Minneapolis Police officers gather at the Third Precinct on May 28, 2021 to hold some time of religious ceremony. It was the one-year anniversary of the precinct being burned during protests that followed the murder of George Floyd.

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