Minneapolis Uprising: The Murder of George Floyd

Minneapolis Uprising – April 2022

Streets, storefronts, and memorials across Minneapolis two years after the murder of George Floyd

April 1–30, 2022 Minneapolis

In April 2022, Minneapolis was navigating a city still visibly shaped by the events of 2020 and the months that followed. The announcement that no charges would be filed against the officer who shot and killed Amir Locke on February 2nd brought protesters back into the streets downtown, with the BRAPB motorcyclists and marchers moving through the city days after the decision was made public.

The broader arc of unresolved questions ran through almost every corner of the city that month. The Minnesota Department of Human Rights released findings on April 27th confirming that the Minneapolis Police Department had engaged in a pattern of racial discrimination in violation of the Minnesota Human Rights Act, a report that made the front pages of both the Star Tribune and the Pioneer Press. At George Floyd Square, the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue remained a living memorial two years after Floyd's murder, with the city's "38th and Chicago Re-envisioned" planning process soliciting public feedback on what the area should become.

Some sites carried the weight of incidents that had accumulated between 2020 and this period. The Seven Points parking ramp in Uptown had been closed since June 2021, when Winston Smith was shot and killed by law enforcement officers on its rooftop. The ramp remained fenced off and barricaded nearly a year later. On Lake Street, the lot where an O'Reilly Auto Parts store was destroyed during the 2020 unrest was under construction for a new housing development, while the Everlake apartment building, damaged by fire during that same period, had been rebuilt and reopened.

The city in April 2022 was neither the acute crisis of 2020 nor a resolved aftermath. Businesses on Lake Street and Lyndale Avenue were open. Construction was underway. Memorials held their ground. The Minnesota Human Rights Act findings landed into that unsettled middle state, adding institutional weight to demands that had been made in the streets for nearly two years.

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Star Tribune Newsrack in South Minneapolis — *April 4, 2022* — A Star Tribune newsrack stands on a sidewalk in South Minneapolis. The newspaper's headline: "They must pick: Cop or doctor?"

Riverside Theatre on a April 2022 evening — *April 4, 2022* — The Riverview Theatre in Minneapolis, a neighborhood cinema, is illuminated at night in April 2022. Opened in 1948, the theatre has been a fixture in the South Minneapolis community, showing films to generations of residents. Its marquee displays current showings, including "Belfast," "Licorice Pizza," and "Hotel Transylvania 4." The theatre continues to operate as a single-screen venue, offering a classic movie-going experience.

Stairs being removed next to Stone Arch Bridge — *April 4, 2022* — Wooden stairs are being dismantled near the Stone Arch Bridge in Minneapolis, adjacent to the Mississippi River. Originally constructed in 1883, the Stone Arch Bridge served as a vital railway crossing for the Great Northern Railway. It was later repurposed and opened to the public in 1992 as a pedestrian and bicycle bridge, becoming a prominent feature of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. The removal of these stairs suggests ongoing maintenance or modification of the parkland surrounding this historic structure.

Metro Transit bus goes by Brits Pub — *April 4, 2022* — A Metro Transit bus travels along Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis, passing Brit's Pub. Nicollet Mall, established in 1967, is a pedestrian-friendly street designed to revitalize the city's core and promote public transit.

Vote Sheila Nezhad for Mayor of Minneapolis sign — *April 5, 2022* — A campaign poster for Sheila Nezhad's mayoral bid is affixed to a pole in South Minneapolis. The poster features Nezhad's image and the slogan "Vote Sheila Together."

End Racism sign in South Minneapolis — *April 5, 2022* — A storefront in South Minneapolis displays a "End Racism" message in its windows, alongside a portrait of George Floyd and a Ukrainian flag. The building, located at 3808 Minnehaha Avenue, houses "The Aliveness Project," an organization focused on community well-being.

Historic George Floyd Square sign outside Cup Foods — *April 5, 2022* — A sign reading "Historic George Floyd Memorial" is displayed at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis. The square, formerly known as the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, became a focal point for protests following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020.

Imez Wright Memorial outside the door of Cup Foods — *April 5, 2022* — A memorial for Imez Wright, who was fatally shot on March 6, 2021, is seen at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis. The square, located at the intersection of Chicago Avenue and 38th Street, became a focal point for protests following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020.

George Floyd Square visitor map in April 2022 — *April 5, 2022* — A map of the United States, displayed in April 2022, is covered with numerous pins marking visitor locations. This map was situated 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 pins represent individuals who traveled to the square.

Toshira Garraway at the Hennepin County Government Center — *April 6, 2022* — Toshira Garraway speaks at a rally outside the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis. The gathering occurred following the announcement that no charges would be filed against officers involved in the February 2nd shooting death of Amir Locke.

Protest your neigbors sign — *April 7, 2022* — A protest flyer advocating against the eviction of encampments is displayed on a street sign in Minneapolis. The flyer reads, "Together we can block encampment evictions" and "Protect your neighbors," featuring an illustration of two figures forming a protective shelter over a third figure under falling rain. This message reflects ongoing community concerns and activism surrounding homelessness and housing security in urban environments.

The Yusef Center on Lake Street in Minneapolis — *April 7, 2022* — The Yusef Center, located at 333 Lake Street in Minneapolis, houses various commercial establishments.

Pineda Tacos on Lake Street in Minneapolis — *April 7, 2022* — Pineda Tacos, a Mexican restaurant, is located on Lake Street in Minneapolis. The establishment offers a variety of traditional Mexican dishes, including tacos, tortas, and burritos.

Up Down arcade bar on Lyndale Ave in Minneapolis — *April 7, 2022* — Up Down Arcade Bar on Lyndale Avenue in Minneapolis.

Lynlake Brewery on Lyndale Avenue in April 2022 — *April 7, 2022* — Lynlake Brewery is situated on Lyndale Avenue in Minneapolis. The brewery, a popular establishment, contributes to the area's vibrant nightlife and local economy.

Justice for Amir Locke protests in downtown Minneapolis April 2022 — *April 8, 2022* — Protesters march through downtown Minneapolis in April 2022, two days after authorities announced that the officers involved in the February 2nd shooting death of Amir Locke would not be charged. The marchers carried signs and flags, including one bearing the Black Liberation flag and another with a portrait of Locke and the words "Justice for Amir Locke." This event occurred amidst ongoing calls for accountability and reform within law enforcement following Locke's death during a police raid.

BRAPB motorcycles — *April 8, 2022* — Motorcyclists from the BRAPB (Black, Respectful, Active, Proud, and Bold) organization ride through Downtown Minneapolis. This event occurred two days after authorities announced that the officers involved in the February 2nd shooting death of Amir Locke would not face charges. The protest highlights ongoing community concerns and activism following the incident.

Justice for Amir Locke protest sign in April 2022 — *April 8, 2022* — Protesters gathered in downtown Minneapolis in April 2022 following the announcement that no charges would be filed against the Minneapolis police officer who shot and killed Amir Locke.

Stone Arch Bridge Sunset over the Mississippi River — *April 8, 2022* — The Stone Arch Bridge, a historic 2,300-foot-long stone arch bridge spanning the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Constructed in 1883, it was once the longest stone arch bridge in the world and served as a vital railway bridge for the Great Northern Railway. Today, the bridge is part of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area and is a popular destination for pedestrians and cyclists, offering views of the St. Anthony Falls and the downtown Minneapolis skyline.

Everlake Apartments signage at night in April 2022 — *April 20, 2022* — The Everlake apartment building, located in South Minneapolis, is pictured here in April 2022. The building, which was under construction during the civil unrest in Minneapolis in 2020, sustained damage from a fire. It has since been rebuilt and opened, signifying a return to normalcy and development in the area. The signage prominently displays the building's name, Everlake.

Window shutters at Target in Minneapolis — *April 20, 2022* — The Target store in south Minneapolis, located across from the Minneapolis Police Department's Third Precinct, was significantly damaged during the civil unrest of 2020.

Du Nord Craft Spirits in Minneapolis — *April 20, 2022* — Du Nord Craft Spirits, located in South Minneapolis. Signs on the window reading "Justice for George Floyd" and "Proudly Black-Owned." Du Nord Craft Spirits was founded by Chris and Jenny Montgomery, becoming the first Black-owned distillery in the United States.

The Square event space in George Floyd Square — *April 20, 2022* — The Square, located at 3736 Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis, is a new event space situated within George Floyd Square. The venue is intended to host a variety of community gatherings, including the weekly marketplace known as The Black Exchange.

Sweeps Are Police Brutality sign — *April 22, 2022* — A flyer posted on a pole in South Minneapolis reads "Sweeps are police brutality" and "We support and defend our neighbors in tents." The flyer's imagery includes a "no" symbol over a boot, and stylized tents. This message protests the practice of "sweeps," which often involve the removal of encampments of unhoused individuals by authorities.

36th and Chicago Re-envisioned April 2022 — *April 22, 2022* — A sign at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis announces the "38th & Chicago Re-envisioned" plan, inviting community participation in reshaping the area. This intersection became a focal point during the 2020 Minneapolis Uprising following the murder of George Floyd. The city initiated this planning process to gather feedback and guide future development in the neighborhood, acknowledging its significance as George Floyd Square and its ongoing transformation.

A fist on 38th Street in George Floyd Square April 2022 — *April 22, 2022* — George Floyd Square, located at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis, was established as a memorial and autonomous zone following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. The area became a focal point for protests against racial injustice and police brutality. This image, taken in April 2022, shows 38th Street at night, adorned with murals and signage reflecting the ongoing significance of the square. The "Abolish Police" mural and "Black Lives Matter" messaging are prominent features, underscoring the political and social context of the location.

Together apART — *April 22, 2022* — The "Together / apART" project, initiated at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, invited the Powderhorn community to create a collective bonding and solidarity experience from their homes.

City Planning meeting on George Floyd Square April 2022 — *April 23, 2022* — Feedback boards from the "38th and Chicago Re-envisioned" project, initiated by the City of Minneapolis, display public comments and suggestions regarding engagement and design goals for the area. This project aims to address community needs and concerns following the killing of George Floyd at the nearby intersection.

Nicollet Ave New Housing Development — *April 24, 2022* — Construction is underway for a new housing development on Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis, on the site of the former O'Reilly Auto Parts store. The store was destroyed in the civil unrest following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020.

Dulono's Pizza sign lit at night in Downtown Minneapolis — *April 27, 2022* — Dulono's Pizza, a long-standing establishment in downtown Minneapolis, is illuminated by its distinctive neon signage.

Black Lives Matter sign in Downtown Minneapolis April 2022 — *April 27, 2022* — A "Black Lives Matter" sign is displayed in the window of a building at 327 1st Avenue North in Minneapolis. The sign, which includes a peace symbol, was visible in April 2022, more than a year after the murder of George Floyd in the city. The area around 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, known as George Floyd Square, became a focal point for protests and activism following Floyd's death.

Justice Accountability Healing George Floyd Say His Name — *April 28, 2022* — A sign at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis reads "Justice accountability healing for George Floyd. Say His Name." The square, located at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, became a focal point for protests following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020.

Murphy Ranks Memorial in George Floyd Square April 2022 — *April 28, 2022* — The Murphy Ranks Memorial, dedicated to Dameon Chambers, is located at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis. Chambers was killed on Juneteenth 2020, and his memorial is one of many tributes that emerged following the murder of George Floyd and subsequent protests. The memorial, situated along Chicago Avenue, features concrete barriers adorned with graffiti and personal offerings, serving as a focal point for remembrance and community expression.

Newsrack with Star Tribune newspapers in it in Downtown Minneapolis — *April 28, 2022* — Newsracks for the Minneapolis Star Tribune and Pioneer Press stand in downtown Minneapolis on April 28, 2022. The newspapers prominently feature headlines about a report released the previous day by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights. This report found that the Minneapolis Police Department and the city engaged in a pattern or practice of racial discrimination. The findings, which violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act, were released following a period of heightened scrutiny of the department's practices.

Vacant former JUUT SalonSpa storefront at Hennepin and Lake in Uptown Minneapolis — *April 29, 2022* — This storefront at Hennepin Avenue and Lake Street in Uptown Minneapolis was formerly occupied by JUUT SalonSpa, an Aveda retailer. The building, located at 2947 Hennepin Avenue, features a distinctive curved facade that once displayed the salon's branding.

Security fencing on Lake Street at Seven Points Mall — *April 29, 2022* — Security fencing surrounds the Seven Points Mall on Lake Street in Minneapolis, following damage sustained during protests in the summer of 2020. The fencing and concrete barriers were erected to protect the property and control access to the area.

Buffed graffiti at top of Seven Points parking ramp — *April 29, 2022* — The Seven Points parking ramp in Uptown Minneapolis, a structure that has become a site of historical significance. On June 3rd, 2021, Winston Smith was killed on its top floor during protests following the murder of George Floyd. The ramp has remained closed to the public since that month, marking a period of closure and reflection for the community.

Seven Points Parking Ramp Rooftop — *April 29, 2022* — The rooftop of the Seven Points parking ramp in Uptown Minneapolis, a structure that has been closed to the public since June 2021. This closure followed the death of Winston Smith on June 3rd, 2021, on the ramp's top floor. The parking ramp is part of the Seven Points Mall.

Barricades inside Seven Points parking ramp — *April 29, 2022* — Concrete barriers and chain-link fencing block access to the upper levels of the Seven Points parking ramp in Minneapolis. These security measures were put in place following protests in June 2021, which occurred after the law enforcement shooting death of Winston Smith.

First Avenue South in Minneapolis in rain and fog — *April 30, 2022* — First Avenue South in Minneapolis is seen on a foggy, rainy night. The street is lined with trees and historic buildings, including the Minneapolis College of Art and Design at 2201 First Avenue South. In the distance, the city's modern architecture is visible through the mist.

Minneapolis skyways on a rainy night — *April 30, 2022* — The Minneapolis Skyway system, the longest continuous network of enclosed pedestrian bridges in the world, is visible here at night during a spring rain. Completed in 1974, the skyway connects buildings across 11 kilometers of downtown Minneapolis, providing a climate-controlled environment for pedestrians. This infrastructure was developed to encourage downtown development and to offer a safe and convenient way to navigate the city, especially during harsh winter months. The wet streets reflect the city lights, highlighting the skyway's role in shaping the urban experience of Minneapolis.

Crash at the George Floyd Mural — *April 30, 2022* — A vehicle crashed into the Cup Foods building in Minneapolis, damaging a propane tank container and the storefront. The building is known for the George Floyd mural painted on its exterior, which became a focal point after Floyd's murder in May 2020.

AJ Fish and Chicken Restaurant at night — *April 30, 2022* — A&J Fish and Chicken, a restaurant located on Lake Street in South Minneapolis. The establishment offers carry-out and delivery services, with its phone number and website prominently displayed.

Minneapolis Uprising – April 2022

Minneapolis Photographer