Minneapolis Uprising: The Murder of George Floyd

August 2022

Minneapolis Uprising – August 2022

August 1–31, 2022 Minneapolis

George Floyd Square, at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in South Minneapolis, remains an active site of remembrance and community organizing more than two years after the murder of George Floyd outside Cup Foods on May 25, 2020. The Fist Monument, chalked demands on the pavement, artwork at Millennium Auto Service, and a steady calendar of events at The People's Way all mark the square as a living center of ongoing calls for justice.

This body of work moves across Minneapolis more broadly, taking in the rebuilt Lake Street Station Post Office that replaced the facility destroyed during the civil unrest of 2020, storefronts and arcade bars along Hennepin Avenue and West Lake Street in Uptown, Nicollet Avenue looking south toward downtown, and Minnehaha Falls in Minnehaha Park. It also includes a Republican gubernatorial campaign billboard in North Minneapolis promoting Scott Jensen and Matt Birk under the message "Safer Streets," set against the backdrop of an August 2022 primary election cycle. Together these locations document Minneapolis at a moment when recovery, political contest, and unresolved demands for accountability were all visibly present on the same streets.

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Cyclist at Hennepin Avenue and Lake Street in Minneapolis at dusk. — *August 1, 2022* — A cyclist navigates the intersection of Hennepin Avenue and Lake Street in Minneapolis's Uptown neighborhood at dusk.

Moxy Hotel tabletops in Minneapolis display Prince's "Purple Rain" and Dessa's "Chime" album artwork under purple lighting. — *August 1, 2022* — The Moxy Hotel on Lake Street in Uptown Minneapolis features tabletops adorned with album art from local artists Prince and Dessa. The "Purple Rain" album cover by Prince, a Minneapolis native, and Dessa's "Chime" album are prominently displayed.

Stop Cops written on a bus shelter in Uptown Minneapolis — *August 1, 2022* — Graffiti reading "Stop Cops!" is visible on the glass of a former bus shelter at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis. This location became a focal point for protests and activism following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020.

Free Palestine mural on the side of a Minneapolis corner store — *August 1, 2022* — A corner store in South Minneapolis displays flags representing Palestine and the United States. The "Free Palestine" message, painted alongside the Palestinian flag, reflects solidarity and political sentiment.

White Silence is Violence mural on a garage door in South Minneapolis — *August 1, 2022* — This mural, located on a garage door in South Minneapolis, reads "White Silence is Violence." The phrase emerged as a slogan during the Minneapolis Uprising in 2020, following the murder of George Floyd. It critiques the inaction and complicity of white individuals and institutions in the face of racial injustice and police brutality. The mural serves as a public statement and a visual reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial equity.

Saraswati Singh at George Floyd Square — *August 3, 2022* — Saraswati Singh, a candidate for Hennepin County Attorney, attended a public safety forum at George Floyd Square. The event, titled "Community Conversation - Let's talk about public safety," brought together candidates and the interim Chief of Police to discuss community concerns. George Floyd Square has been a significant site of public gathering and activism since the murder of George Floyd in May 2020, serving as a focal point for discussions on justice and public safety in Minneapolis.

Hennepin County Attorney candidate Ryan Winkler at George Floyd Square — *August 3, 2022* — Ryan Winkler, a candidate for Hennepin County Attorney, attended a public safety discussion at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis. The event, titled "Community Conversation - Let's talk about public safety," featured Winkler alongside other candidates and the interim Chief of Police. George Floyd Square has been a significant site of protest and community organizing since the murder of George Floyd in May 2020, and discussions about public safety are particularly relevant in this context.

Interim Minneapolis Police Chief Amelia Huffman at George Floyd Square — *August 3, 2022* — Interim Minneapolis Police Chief Amelia Huffman attended a "Community Conversation" on public safety at George Floyd Square. The forum, held in the area that became a focal point for protests following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020, also included candidates for Hennepin County Attorney. This event aimed to foster dialogue between law enforcement and the community amidst ongoing discussions about public safety and policing in Minneapolis.

Armed police officers stationed outside of Target Field in Minneapolis — *August 4, 2022* — Hennepin County Sheriff's officers stand with rifles outside Target Field in Minneapolis. Opened in 2010, Target Field serves as the home stadium for the Minnesota Twins baseball team and is a central public venue in the city's downtown core.

Mystic Lake wrapped light rail train and Sneaky Petes bar in Downtown Minneapolis — *August 4, 2022* — A light rail train branded for the Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel stops at the Warehouse District-Hennepin station in Minneapolis. The station serves the Green Line, which connects downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul, and is a popular transit point for events in the Warehouse District.

Bus shelter in the rain on Hennepin Ave in Uptown Minneapolis — *August 7, 2022* — Construction continues on Hennepin Avenue in Uptown Minneapolis, a district known for its vibrant commercial and residential character. The development of a new seven-story apartment building signifies ongoing investment and transformation in the neighborhood.

Minneapolis City of Finding out sign at George Floyd Square — *August 8, 2022* — A sign at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis reads "Minneapolis City of Finding Out." This area became a focal point for protests and activism following the murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020. The "City of Finding Out" slogan reflects the ongoing community efforts to understand and address systemic issues. The square has served as a space for remembrance, community organizing, and continued calls for justice.

Newly built Four Seasons Hotel in Downtown Minneapolis — *August 9, 2022* — The Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis, a newly constructed luxury accommodation, stands in the heart of downtown Minneapolis. Opened in 2020, the hotel is part of a mixed-use development that includes residential units and retail spaces.

People walking on Washington Avenue in Downtown Minneapolis North Loop — *August 9, 2022* — Washington Avenue North in Minneapolis's North Loop neighborhood is a vibrant area with a mix of historic industrial buildings and modern businesses. The street, once a hub for warehousing and manufacturing, has transformed into a popular destination for dining and entertainment.

Fireman walks to his firetruck on East Lake Street — *August 12, 2022* — Firefighters responded to a blaze at the vacant Coliseum building on East Lake Street in Minneapolis. The structure had been empty since a fire in May 2020, which occurred during the unrest following the murder of George Floyd. Plans for redevelopment of the site were slated to begin soon after this incident.

Large crowd leaves a theater on Hennepin Ave in Downtown Minneapolis — *August 12, 2022* — Pedestrians cross Hennepin Avenue in downtown Minneapolis as they exit the Orpheum Theatre on a Friday night in August 2022. The Orpheum, a historic vaudeville house and movie palace, opened in 1921 and has hosted a variety of performances and events throughout its history.

Streets closed for Open Streets Eat Street on Lake Street in Minneapolis — *August 13, 2022* — East Lake Street in South Minneapolis was closed to vehicular traffic for an Open Streets event, transforming the urban thoroughfare into a pedestrian-friendly space. These events, common in many cities, aim to promote community engagement, healthy lifestyles, and local businesses by temporarily reclaiming streets for public use. The closure allowed residents and visitors to walk, bike, and socialize freely, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the neighborhood.

People visiting the George Floyd Memorial at George Floyd Square — *August 14, 2022* — The George Floyd Memorial at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis is a site of remembrance and protest. Established after the murder of George Floyd in May 2020, the square became a focal point for demonstrations against racial injustice and police brutality. The memorial, located outside the Cup Foods store where Floyd was murdered, features tributes, artwork, and messages from visitors.

Calendar at The People’s Way at George Floyd Square — *August 14, 2022* — An August 2022 calendar is displayed at The People's Way, a community space within George Floyd Square in Minneapolis. The calendar lists various events including "Primary Elections," "24 Demands 2nd Anniversary Meet the Demands," and "Public Hearing on MPD drones." It also notes community gatherings, birthdays, and other local activities, reflecting the ongoing community organizing and public life at the square.

Unity Peace Art Blocks at George Floyd Square — *August 14, 2022* — Art blocks bearing the words "Unity" and "Peace" are displayed at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis. This space, located at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, became a significant site of protest and community organizing following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020.

Millennium Auto Service in South Minneapolis — *August 14, 2022* — Millennium Auto Service is located in George Floyd Square in Minneapolis, a neighborhood that became a focal point of protests and activism following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. A message on the garage door reads, "WE CANNOT BECOME NUMB TO INJUSTICE, TRAUMA, AND INEQUALITY."

Minnehaha Falls drops 53 feet into a pool surrounded by dense green forest and visitors along the rocky base in Minneapolis. — *August 14, 2022* — Minnehaha Falls, located in Minneapolis at Minnehaha Park. The waterfall, which drops 53 feet, is fed by Minnehaha Creek. It was a popular destination for visitors in the 19th century, including figures like Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, whose poem "The Song of Hiawatha" immortalized the falls.

Minneapolis Police squad car driving down Hennepin Ave in Downtown Minneapolis — *August 15, 2022* — A Minneapolis Police Department squad car patrols Hennepin Avenue in August 2022.

Justice for George Floyd on table of a Minneapolis storefront — *August 16, 2022* — Arcade games, including NBA Jam and Mortal Kombat, are situated inside Jughouse on Hennepin Avenue in Minneapolis's Uptown neighborhood. A sticker advocating for justice for George Floyd is visible on a nearby table.

NaNaCarDon Clothing on Lake Street in Uptown Minneapolis — *August 16, 2022* — NaNaCarDon Clothing & Accessories is a retail establishment located at 617 West Lake Street in Minneapolis. The storefront displays mannequins in fashionable attire, showcasing the store's offerings.

Newly built United States Post Office in South Minneapolis — *August 27, 2022* — The new Lake Street Station Post Office in South Minneapolis. This facility replaced the previous post office that was destroyed during the civil unrest following the murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020. The rebuilding of this essential public service infrastructure in the South Minneapolis community underscores a commitment to recovery and continuity.

Looking down Nicollet Ave towards Downtown Minneapolis — *August 27, 2022* — Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis, a major thoroughfare, is shown here looking south towards the downtown area.

Roxys Cabaret in Downtown Minneapolis lit up at night — *August 28, 2022* — Roxy's Cabaret and the 24/7 Nicollet Diner are shown at their new downtown Minneapolis location.

Vote sign at George Floyd Square in August 2022 — *August 30, 2022* — A mural reading "GEORGE" with stylized figures raising their arms is visible at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis, dated May 25, 2020. Adjacent to the mural, a sign encourages civic engagement with the message "TALK, WALK, RALLY, DISCUSS, DEBATE, POST & COMMENT, GET INFORMED, MOST IMPORTANTLY VOTE." The square, established in the wake of George Floyd's murder, has become a focal point for activism and community organizing.

Fist in the middle of George Floyd Square in August 2022 — *August 30, 2022* — The Fist Monument stands at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis, a site that became a focal point for protests following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. The square, located at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, was occupied by protesters for over two years after Floyd's death. The monument, a raised fist, has become a symbol of the movement and the ongoing calls for justice.

Meet the 24 Demands written on the cement at George Floyd Square — *August 30, 2022* — Chalked messages on the pavement at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis, including "MEET THE 24 DEMANDS," reflect ongoing activism more than a year after the street was reopened to vehicles. The square, established in the summer of 2020 following the murder of George Floyd, has been a focal point for community organizing and demands for justice.

Scott Jensen and Matt Birk Safer Streets billboard in Minneapolis — *August 31, 2022* — A billboard in North Minneapolis promotes Scott Jensen for Governor and Matt Birk for Lieutenant Governor, with the slogan "Safer Streets." The advertisement was prepared and paid for by Dr. Scott Jensen, with a mailing address in Minnetonka, Minnesota.

Minneapolis Uprising – August 2022

Minneapolis Photographer