Boards

172 photos · 2009–2025

172 photographs tagged Boards, 2009–2025.

Colorful plywood murals from the 2020 Minneapolis protests displayed at Phelps Park during a fifth anniversary memorial event. — Boards from the Minneapolis Uprising are displayed at Phelps Park in Minneapolis, marking the fifth anniversary of George Floyd's murder. These artworks originated as protective coverings for businesses during the 2020 protests and civil unrest following Floyd's death. The organization Memorialize The Movement has preserved these boards, recognizing their significance as historical artifacts documenting a significant moment in the city's history.

Visitors view a mural at Phelps Park featuring portraits and the text "We Are the Future They Fought For". — Memorialize The Movement exhibited a collection of protest art boards at Phelps Park in Minneapolis. These boards were originally created by community members and artists to cover storefronts during the 2020 Minneapolis Uprising, which followed the murder of George Floyd. The organization preserved these boards and have occasionally displayed them. This public display coincided with the 5th anniversary of George Floyd's murder, forming part of the "Rise and Remember" commemoration events.

Colorful protest boards displayed at Phelps Park in Minneapolis during a memorial exhibition. — Memorialize The Movement presents an exhibition of protest boards at Phelps Park in Minneapolis. These boards originated from storefronts during the Minneapolis Uprising, which followed the murder of George Floyd. Displayed on the fifth anniversary of his death, the artworks and messages on the boards serve as a historical record of community expression and calls for justice.

Memorialize the Movement boards at Phelps Park in Minneapolis during Rise and Remember. — Memorialize the Movement boards are installed at Phelps Park in Minneapolis during Rise and Remember on May 25, 2025. The organization preserves and exhibits plywood murals associated with public responses to the murder of George Floyd. The park is near George Floyd Square, the center of the annual remembrance gathering.

Boarded-up storefront at Fremont Ave and Lake St in Minneapolis. — A former Target Store and Revel Apartment building at Fremont/Lake Street in Uptown Minneapolis. The building boarded up after a shooting.

A "Doctor and NP Parking Only" sign stands at the boarded-up Ebenezer Care Center on Portland Avenue in South Minneapolis. — Ebenezer Care Center once operated as a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility along Portland Avenue in South Minneapolis, part of the Ebenezer network affiliated with Fairview Health Services. The organization traces its roots to a home for the elderly founded by a Norwegian Lutheran deaconess order in 1917, growing over the following century into one of the Twin Cities' larger senior care providers. This Portland Avenue location closed its doors as the surrounding health system consolidated services elsewhere, leaving the building vacant. A "Doctor & NP Parking Only" sign still stands near the entrance, a remnant of the staff and clinicians who once worked here.

Shuttered Ebenezer Care Center — The Ebenezer Care Center, a facility located at 2545 in South Minneapolis, is shown with its windows and entrances secured by boards.

A "For Sale" sign is displayed on a brick building with boarded windows in downtown Minneapolis, next to a Holiday Inn Express. — A "For Sale" sign from Upland Real Estate Group is displayed on a brick building in downtown Minneapolis, adjacent to a Holiday Inn Express. The building appears to be vacant, with boarded-up windows suggesting a period of disuse or transition. The presence of the "For Sale" sign indicates a change in ownership or intended redevelopment for this property within the city's central business district. The Holiday Inn Express and the illuminated skyscraper in the background highlight the ongoing commercial activity in the surrounding area.

Boards on building in November 2022 Hennepin Ave Lake Street — Banners promoting Elder Abuse Awareness are displayed on the former Victoria's Secret and Gap building at the intersection of Lake Street and Hennepin Avenue in Minneapolis. The building's facade was previously covered with boards from the June 2020 protests following the murder of George Floyd.

Mural boards covering a former K-Mart and grocery store on Lake Street in Minneapolis, with downtown skyscrapers visible beyond. — The downtown Minneapolis skyline includes the IDS Center, completed in 1972 at 792 feet and the tallest building in Minnesota, and the Foshay Tower, built in 1929 at 447 feet with an observation deck near its top. Mural boards now cover the fence around the former Kmart and grocery store site at Lake Street and Nicollet Avenue, demolished in 2022.

Mural on boards over windows at Loon Smoke Shop — Boards cover the windows of the Loon Smoke Shop on Lyndale Avenue in Minneapolis, adorned with a mural. The artwork features jellyfish and the text "PEACE BE UPON Minneapolis UNTIL WE GET IT."

LA Fitness and boarded up Seven Points Mall in Uptown Minneapolis — LA Fitness is visible at the Seven Points Mall in Uptown Minneapolis.

Hayat Restaurant storefront on Lake Street in Minneapolis with colorful mural and neon signage. — Hayat Restaurant on Lake Street in Minneapolis is a Somali and Middle Eastern restaurant in the Powderhorn area.

Boarded-up Burlington store at night in Minneapolis shopping center parking lot. — The Burlington store on Lake Street in Minneapolis is boarded up at night.

The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center in Minneapolis with its entrance boarded up. — The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center in Minneapolis. The North Loop facility provides residential rehabilitation and recovery services through The Salvation Army.

Boarded American Outfitters storefront in downtown Minneapolis with a For Sale sign and Amir Locke graffiti. — The former American Outfitters store in downtown Minneapolis is boarded up, with a "For Sale" sign visible in the window. Graffiti honoring Amir Locke, who was killed by Minneapolis police in February 2022, is spray-painted on the plywood covering the adjacent storefront.

Justice and Love at Moon Palace Books Minneapolis — Graffiti art reading "Justice" and "Love" adorns the boarded-up facade of Moon Palace Books in South Minneapolis. The boards were installed in May 2020, following the murder of George Floyd, as a protective measure for businesses in the area. Moon Palace Books notably refused to allow police to stage on their property during the subsequent protests, instead offering their space as a medic station for injured individuals. The "Abolish The Police" message, previously displayed on banners and boards, reflects the sentiment of many during the Minneapolis Uprising.

Southside Food & Deli In and Out Tobacco and Wireless — Southside Food & Deli, located at 3300 Chicago Avenue in South Minneapolis, is seen here with boarded-up windows and a "Free Palestine" flag displayed. The "In & Out Tobacco+Wireless" sign indicates the diverse retail offerings of the establishment. The presence of plywood over some storefronts and the flag suggest a context of recent unrest or protest, possibly related to the Minneapolis Uprising. The building's exterior is further adorned with vibrant street art, including a mural on the adjacent wall and a utility box featuring a sunflower design.

Deona Marie Boards at Seven Points — The boarded-up Seven Points Mall at the corner of Hennepin Avenue and Lake Street in Minneapolis's Uptown neighborhood. The plywood covering features graffiti, including the name "Deona Marie," a tribute to a protester killed on June 13th. She died when a vehicle drove through barricades erected by demonstrators protesting the law enforcement shooting death of Winston Smith ten days earlier.

MPLS IS US poster in Uptown — Posters promoting voter turnout are displayed on a graffiti-covered wall in Uptown Minneapolis. The "mpls is us" campaign, active around the November 2nd election, aimed to encourage civic participation. The posters feature the slogan "We have the tools to make imagination a reality in our city," alongside imagery related to voting and community. This initiative reflects efforts to engage residents in the electoral process within the urban environment.

Downtown Minneapolis seen behind fenced in Kmart in 2021 — The United States Postal Service branch on East Lake Street in Minneapolis occupies a building that formerly housed a K-Mart. This relocation occurred after two nearby post office branches were destroyed during the Minneapolis uprising in 2020. The building's exterior is adorned with murals and graffiti, some of which memorialize figures and events from the uprising.

Sons of Norway and Burton on Lake Street — The Daymark apartment building, located on Lake Street in Uptown Minneapolis, is shown here with protective plastic security boards covering its windows. This building was constructed on the site of the former Sons of Norway building, which was demolished.

Seven Points mall with boarded up entrance in Minneapolis — Seven Points Mall, located at the intersection of Hennepin Avenue and Lake Street in Minneapolis, is shown boarded up at night. The mall's facade is covered with graffiti, including a tag that reads "Deona Marie." On June 13, 2021, 31-year-old Deona Marie Knajdek was killed when a driver accelerated into a group of demonstrators gathered in Minneapolis’ Uptown neighborhood during ongoing protests over the killing of Winston “Boogie” Smith Jr. Protesters had blocked the intersection of West Lake Street and Girard Avenue with vehicles and barricades when Nicholas Kraus drove a Jeep Cherokee into the crowd at high speed, killing Knajdek and injuring several others. Kraus was later charged with second-degree murder, two counts of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon, and criminal vehicular operation. In 2023, he pleaded guilty to murder and assault charges and was sentenced to more than 20 years in prison for the attack.

Nail and beauty skin care and boards — A "Nail and Beauty Skin Care" establishment in South Minneapolis is boarded up, indicating a period of remodeling or closure. The plywood covering the windows and doors, along with the sign stating "WE ARE REMODELING," suggests ongoing work. The presence of posters that read "TREATIES NOT SANDS" hints at broader social or political contexts relevant to the area, possibly referencing Indigenous land rights or historical agreements.

Casablanca Foods reflections — Casablanca Foods, a grocery store located in South Minneapolis, is seen here on a rainy evening. The store offers a variety of goods including groceries, frozen foods, phone cards, and money transfers, and accepts EBT and WIC.

Memorialize The Movement exhibit in Minneapolis — 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.

Save The Boards exhibit at Phelps Park — 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.

Save the Boards to Memorialize The Movement exhibit — 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.

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

Children's Minnesota Hospital boarded up in Minneapolis during the Chauvin trial. — Children's Minnesota Hospital in South Minneapolis was boarded up in anticipation of potential unrest during the Derek Chauvin murder trial in April 2021. The trial, which followed the death of George Floyd, led to heightened security measures across the city. This hospital, a key medical facility for children in the region, was protected to ensure continued operations and the safety of patients and staff amidst the possibility of civil disturbance.

Boarded-up Whole Foods Market in Minneapolis during the Derek Chauvin trial. — A Whole Foods Market in Minneapolis is boarded up with plywood in anticipation of potential unrest following the verdict in the Derek Chauvin murder trial. The trial, which began in March 2021, concerned the death of George Floyd, a Black man whose killing by Chauvin, a white police officer, sparked widespread protests in Minneapolis and across the nation. Businesses across the city took precautionary measures to protect property during this period of heightened tension.

Boarded-up Starbucks Coffee storefront in downtown Minneapolis at a street corner. — Starbucks Coffee in downtown Minneapolis is boarded up along a street corner near traffic signals and a crosswalk. The storefront was secured during the Derek Chauvin trial period in 2021.

Rick's Cabaret at South 3rd Street in downtown Minneapolis with boarded windows at night. — Rick's Cabaret in downtown Minneapolis is shown boarded up with security measures in place. This occurred during the period of the Derek Chauvin murder trial in April 2021. The trial and subsequent verdict led to widespread public attention and protests in Minneapolis, prompting businesses to take precautions against potential damage or unrest. The boarding reflects the heightened security concerns and the impact of the trial on the urban environment.

US Bank Plaza at South 2nd Avenue in downtown Minneapolis with boarded lower windows during the Chauvin trial. — US Bank Plaza boarded up during the Derek Chauvin murder trial in April 2021.

Hennepin County Health Services Building with boards — The Hennepin County Health Services Building at 525 Park Avenue South in Minneapolis is shown boarded up. This facility has historically provided essential public health services to the community. The plywood covering suggests a response to damage or security concerns, possibly related to the civil unrest that occurred in Minneapolis in 2020. A sign indicates that services remain available during regular hours, directing visitors to an alternative entrance.

Centre Village boarded up in Downtown Minneapolis — Centre Village, a mixed-use development in downtown Minneapolis, is seen boarded up. The building houses a Hyatt Place hotel and offices and condominiums. The plywood covering suggests damage or security measures taken in response to events such as the Minneapolis Uprising in late May 2020, which saw widespread protests and unrest in the city. The presence of an ATM sign indicates the building's commercial function.

Boarded up Ace Hardware on Nicollet Ave — The Frattallone's Ace Hardware store on Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis is boarded up, likely in response to the civil unrest that followed the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. The plywood covering the storefront and the red spray-painted "ACE HARDWARE" graffiti indicate damage or a need for protection. This location, like many businesses in the area, experienced damage during the protests and riots. The presence of the "EXIT" signs and the NFPA 704 hazard diamond on the plywood suggest the store was operational prior to being boarded up.

Justice for George Floyd chalk on boards — Following the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers in May 2020, protests erupted across the city and the nation. In response to potential unrest, businesses and public buildings, including the US Bank Building in downtown Minneapolis, were boarded up. This photograph shows the building's facade covered with plywood, adorned with chalk messages reflecting the sentiments of the time. Slogans such as "Justice for George Floyd," "Black Lives Matter," and "Stop Killing Us" are visible, alongside calls to "Abolish MPD" and "Hold Police Accountable." The messages also reference "8:46," the duration of Floyd's fatal encounter with police, and "White Supremacy is the Real Pandemic." The "Retail is Open" sign indicates that despite the surrounding social upheaval, some businesses continued to operate.

Security Boards going up at Marshalls — In anticipation of the Derek Chauvin murder trial, storefronts in downtown Minneapolis were boarded up as a security measure. The image shows workers installing plywood over the windows of a Marshalls store, with a Minneapolis Police Department vehicle parked nearby. This preparation reflected concerns about potential unrest and property damage, echoing events that followed the murder of George Floyd in the same city in 2020.

Minneapolis City Hall's arched stone entrance secured behind chain link fencing and orange construction barriers. — Minneapolis City Hall, downtown Minneapolis. Barricades and temporary security structures were installed at the building entrance before the start of the Derek Chauvin trial.

Hennepin County Juvenile Justice Center in downtown Minneapolis boarded with plywood panels during February 2021 trial security preparations. — The Hennepin County Juvenile Justice Center in downtown Minneapolis is shown boarded up in anticipation of the Derek Chauvin trial in April 2021. The building, located at 590 Park Avenue, serves as a courthouse for juvenile legal proceedings. The extensive boarding and security measures were implemented in response to concerns about potential unrest and protests stemming from the trial, which followed the murder of George Floyd in May 2020.

Historic Minneapolis City Hall stands behind security fencing and plywood boards during Derek Chauvin trial preparations in February 2021. — Minneapolis City Hall and the Hennepin County Government Center are shown fortified with security fencing and boarded-up windows. This measure was implemented in anticipation of the Derek Chauvin murder trial in 2021, reflecting heightened security concerns surrounding the proceedings.

A riot is the language of the unheard on Nicollet Mall — Boarded storefronts on Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis, with graffiti reading "A riot is the language of the unheard" attributed to MLK. The image captures the aftermath of civil unrest, likely related to the Minneapolis Uprising of 2020, which followed the murder of George Floyd. Nicollet Mall, a prominent pedestrian mall in downtown Minneapolis, experienced significant damage and looting during this period. The plywood coverings and graffiti serve as a visual testament to the events and the community's response.

Boards going up at Holiday Gas after Dolal Idd shooting — Workers board up the windows of a Holiday Gas station on Cedar Avenue in South Minneapolis. This precautionary measure was taken in anticipation of potential unrest following the Minneapolis Police shooting of Dolal Idd on December 30, 2020. The incident occurred in a city that had experienced widespread protests and civil unrest earlier in 2020, particularly after the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police approximately one mile from this location.

Everyone interconnected together mural on storefront — A mural adorns protective boards on an H&M retail store located on Hennepin Avenue in Uptown Minneapolis. This artwork emerged during the Minneapolis Uprising following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020, when many businesses boarded their windows for protection. The mural, featuring a figure in a canoe and a lotus flower, carries messages such as "When we know justice say their names" and "everyone interconnected together," reflecting themes of community and calls for justice.

Police in front of George Floyd mural — Minneapolis Police officers investigate a shooting at George Floyd Square in South Minneapolis on December 27, 2020. This site, located at the intersection of E 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, transformed into a significant memorial and protest space following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020.

Hennepin Ave protest boards in December 2020 — Protest murals adorn boarded-up storefronts along Hennepin Avenue in Uptown Minneapolis. These artworks emerged in the aftermath of the Minneapolis Uprising in May 2020, which followed the murder of George Floyd.

Demolition of a building in the snow — An excavator operates amidst snow-covered rubble at the demolition site of former businesses on Lake Street in Minneapolis. These structures, which included Minnehaha Liquors, a chiropractor’s office, and GM Tobacco, were destroyed during the widespread protests and civil unrest that followed the May 25, 2020 death of George Floyd.

Kenoshi graffiti on buiolding boards — A boarded-up building stands in Minneapolis, near the site of the former Third Precinct of the Minneapolis Police Department. The plywood boards, installed as a protective measure during periods of civil unrest, are covered with protest messages. Graffiti includes names like "Breonna Taylor" and "Jacob Blake," alongside phrases such as "Mpls Hates Kenosha Cops," "1312," and "ACAB."

Fix Lyndale on a door on Lyndale Ave — A Black Lives Matter mural by Reggie LeFlore adorns boarded-up storefronts at the corner of Lyndale Avenue and Lake Street in Uptown Minneapolis. This artwork emerged in the aftermath of the 2020 Minneapolis Uprising, transforming damaged properties into public expressions of protest and solidarity. Adjacent to the mural, the #FixLyndale message advocates for the long-standing community effort to reconfigure Lyndale Avenue, a corridor known for high rates of vehicle and pedestrian accidents.

Freewheel Bike Center with boards — The Freewheel Bike Center, a bicycle shop located on the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis, stands boarded up. This measure was taken during the widespread protests and civil unrest that followed the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. Posters calling for 'Justice for Calvin Horton' are affixed to the plywood, referencing a man allegedly killed by a pawn shop owner during the same period of unrest. Hennepin County later announced it would not prosecute the case due to a stated lack of evidence, a decision that fueled further calls for accountability.

Chicago Lake Liquors after boards were removed — Chicago Lake Liquors, a retail store located on Lake Street in Minneapolis, is shown with its windows uncovered. The removal of protective boards from its storefront signifies a phase of recovery following the civil unrest that occurred in Minneapolis.

Say his name calvin horton — The former Cadillac Pawn building on East Lake Street in Minneapolis is shown boarded up. The plywood boards display graffiti and posters memorializing Calvin Horton, whose death was associated with the location during periods of unrest. Hennepin County authorities declined to prosecute the owner in connection with Horton's death, citing insufficient evidence.

Protest boards coming off windows — Boards bearing protest art are being systematically removed from storefronts along Lake Street in South Minneapolis. These temporary installations emerged following the widespread protests and civil unrest in late May 2020, sparked by the murder of George Floyd. A dedicated commission is actively collecting and preserving this art, which served as a powerful visual record of community sentiment and resilience during that summer.

Boarded storefront at 2741 Hennepin Avenue in Uptown Minneapolis with "Justice 4 George Floyd" painted on plywood, May 2020. — Plywood covering the storefront at 2741 Hennepin Avenue reads "Justice 4 George Floyd," painted with a red heart on either side of the word "4." The building sits in Uptown Minneapolis, a commercial stretch of Hennepin Avenue lined with retail shops and restaurants. Following George Floyd's death in police custody in May 2020, many Minneapolis businesses boarded their windows against anticipated damage, and those plywood panels became surfaces for murals, memorials, and protest messages across the city.

Boarded storefront at Fifth Element on Hennepin Avenue in Uptown Minneapolis with George Floyd portrait mural and "Black Lives — Fifth Element is a hip-hop and skateboard shop on Hennepin Avenue in Uptown Minneapolis, known for its role in the city's skate and street culture . After the store's windows were boarded up during the unrest following George Floyd's death in police custody in May 2020, local artists painted the plywood with a portrait of Floyd alongside the phrases "Black Lives Matter" and "Black Is Beautiful." The mural was one of hundreds that appeared on boarded storefronts throughout Minneapolis that year, part of a broader effort by artists to turn plywood barricades into public memorials and protest art.

Former K-Mart building on Lake Street in Minneapolis converted to a United States Post Office with community murals. — This post office on Lake Street occupies a building that once housed a K-Mart store. The U.S. Postal Service moved operations here after its Lake Street and Minnehaha Avenue branches were damaged during the unrest that followed George Floyd's killing in May 2020. Murals cover much of the building's exterior, added by local artists in the months after the damage.

Lake Street Minnehaha temporary post office housed in former K-Mart building with community murals. — This building on Lake Street served as the former K-Mart site before the US Postal Service converted it into a temporary station. USPS opened the location after the Lake Street and Minnehaha post office branches were destroyed during the unrest that followed George Floyd's killing in May 2020. The temporary station restored mail and package services to the surrounding Longfellow and Powderhorn neighborhoods while a permanent replacement was planned.

Colorful murals reading "LET THE HEALING" adorn the facade of a temporary post office housed in a former K-Mart on Lake Street in — This building on Lake Street once housed a K-Mart before becoming the Lake-Street Minnehaha Temporary Station, a USPS facility set up after the neighborhood's original postal buildings were damaged during the unrest that followed George Floyd's death in May 2020. The station has continued to handle mail and package service for the surrounding Minneapolis community. Painted across the storefront, a mural reading "LET THE HEALING" was added afterward as part of a wave of public art that appeared on boarded and repurposed buildings along the corridor.

Black Lives Matter mural on Lyndale Avenue in Minneapolis displays "All Year Round" message during snowfall. — The mural reads "Black Lives Matter All Year Round," painted across plywood boards on a building along Lyndale Avenue in Minneapolis's Uptown neighborhood. The piece is one of many murals painted on boarded storefronts across Minneapolis following the unrest that followed George Floyd's killing in May 2020, when businesses across the city covered their windows and local artists turned the boards into canvases. Many of these murals remained in place for months afterward, becoming a lasting public record of that period even as boards came down elsewhere.

Boarded storefront on Lake Street in Minneapolis displays "George Floyd" text during snowfall. — Plywood covering a storefront on Lake Street carries the hand-painted name "George Floyd," one of many boarded windows along the corridor turned into memorials after his killing in police custody in May 2020. Businesses along Lake Street boarded their windows that spring after nights of fires and looting during the unrest that followed Floyd's death. Rather than being removed once the immediate unrest subsided, many of these boards remained in place for months, repainted by artists and volunteers with murals, names, and messages tied to the Black Lives Matter movement.

Boarded UnBank branch on Hennepin Avenue displays "Open" banner despite plywood-covered windows during Minneapolis November 2020. — The UnBank Company operates check-cashing and short-term loan storefronts, marketed as an alternative to traditional banks for customers without conventional accounts. This branch sits on Hennepin Avenue in downtown Minneapolis, its windows and doors covered in plywood while a banner reading "Yes, We Are OPEN For You!" hangs across the boards. Neon signs for "Cash Loans" and "Checks Cashed" remain part of the storefront, advertising the same services the plywood was meant to protect. Metal barricades stand along the sidewalk in front of the entrance.

Uptown Smoke Shop storefront on Lake Street with boarded windows displaying colorful "Help + Love each other" graffiti mural. — The mural reading "Help + Love Each Other" covers boarded-up windows at Uptown Smoke Shop, an e-cigarette retailer at 1408 Lake Street in Minneapolis's Uptown neighborhood. Plywood went up over storefronts along Lake Street after the unrest that followed George Floyd's killing in May 2020, and many of those boards became canvases for community-painted messages rather than being removed once repairs were made.

Artist paints Black Lives Matter mural on boarded storefront along Lyndale Avenue in Uptown Minneapolis. — The mural reading "Black Lives Matter, All Year Round" covers boarded-up storefronts on Lyndale Avenue in Uptown Minneapolis. Plywood panels like these went up over windows and doors across the city after unrest broke out in the wake of George Floyd's killing in May 2020, and many were later painted by local artists rather than removed. Months after the initial unrest, murals such as this one remained in place, turning storm boards into lasting public artwork.

Coliseum Building on Lake Street in Minneapolis with boarded storefronts decorated with community murals. — The Coliseum Building stands on Lake Street in Minneapolis, its ground-floor storefronts boarded with plywood after damage during the 2020 civil unrest. Built in 1917, the building originally housed a theater along with retail and commercial tenants serving the Longfellow neighborhood. Community members later painted the plywood panels with murals and messages, turning the boards into a temporary public canvas.

"Abolish The Police" mural on boarded windows of Hook and Ladder Theater on Minnehaha Avenue in Minneapolis with pedestrians — The Hook and Ladder Theater & Lounge sits on Minnehaha Avenue in Minneapolis's Longfellow neighborhood, a live-music venue that had its plywood window coverings turned into protest art after the killing of George Floyd in 2020. The "Abolish the Police" mural, along with the "Justice" and "Love" lettering beside it, remained on the boards well after the unrest that summer, turning the building into an ongoing outdoor gallery. People gathered outside the venue in November 2020, in the days following the announcement of the presidential election results, as debates over policing and public safety continued in the city.

US Bank Plaza entrance in downtown Minneapolis with boarded plywood windows during November 2020. — US Bank Plaza rises 40 stories at 200 South 6th Street, one of downtown Minneapolis's taller office towers since its completion in 1981. The building takes its name from its anchor tenant, U.S. Bank, though it houses numerous other business tenants across its floors. Plywood paneling over its ground-floor entrances as a precaution many downtown property owners took to guard against window damage during periods of unrest in the city.

Graffiti art covers protective boards on the John Fluevog store at Hennepin and Lagoon Avenues in Uptown Minneapolis. — The plywood covering John Fluevog's storefront on Hennepin Avenue became a canvas for hand-lettered messages and drawings, including references to James Baldwin, Grace Jones, and the phrase "Love Is Not Dead." The shoe retailer, known for its avant-garde designs since founding in Vancouver in 1970, operates a location here in Uptown Minneapolis near the corner of Lagoon Avenue. Business owners across the city boarded up storefronts for protection following the unrest that spread after George Floyd's killing in May 2020, and many of those boards were later turned into sites for murals and text-based artwork by local artists.

Cyclists and pedestrians move through downtown Minneapolis's Nicollet Mall, where plywood boards cover ground-floor storefronts. — Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis with plywood covers on many ground-floor storefronts in the months after the unrest that followed George Floyd's killing in May 2020.

AT&T retail store on Lake Street in Uptown Minneapolis with boarded windows at night. — This AT&T store sits on Lake Street in Uptown Minneapolis, a commercial corridor that saw widespread property damage after the killing of George Floyd in May 2020. Many businesses along the strip boarded their windows in the aftermath and kept the plywood up for months afterward, some using it as makeshift signage during reconstruction. A "Now Open" banner on the boards here signals the store's return to business despite the unfinished repairs. Lake Street has long served as one of South Minneapolis's primary retail and transit corridors, connecting the Midtown Greenway to neighborhoods stretching from Uptown to the Mississippi River.

Lisa Bender Must Go graffiti — Graffiti reading "Lisa Bender Must Go" is visible on the boarded-up windows of Fox Den Salon at 2727 Hennepin Avenue in Uptown Minneapolis. Lisa Bender served as the Minneapolis City Council President during a period of significant social and political unrest in the city.

The time is always right to do what is right — The State Theatre, a historic performing arts venue on Hennepin Avenue in downtown Minneapolis, features a marquee displaying a quote from Martin Luther King Jr. The message, "The time is always right to do what is right".

WCCO TV boarded up in Downtown Minneapolis — The WCCO-TV building on Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis is shown with its exterior boarded up.

Nordstrom Rack boarded up at IDS Center — The Nordstrom Rack store is located within the IDS Center, a prominent skyscraper in downtown Minneapolis. Its street-level windows are covered with white-painted boards, installed following widespread civil unrest and property damage that occurred in August 2020.

Flagship Target store boarded up on Nicollet Mall — The Target Flagship Store on Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis stands with its entrance boarded with plywood.

Lynlake Brewery storefront and neighboring businesses on Lyndale Avenue in Uptown Minneapolis at night with illuminated trees and — LynLake Brewery and neighboring storefronts on Lyndale Avenue in Uptown Minneapolis are pictured at night in September 2020.

Boarded storefront on Lake Street in Minneapolis displays murals including "Love Your Enemy" and "Justice for Floyd" messaging. — Murals and graffiti cover the exterior wall of the former K-Mart building on Lake Street in South Minneapolis. The painted boards include the large phrase “LOVE YOUR ENEMY,” an “MPLS” mural with the words “JUSTICE FOR FLOYD NOW,” and other artist panels installed across the boarded facade.

Boarded storefronts on Lake Street in Minneapolis display spray-painted messages "Do Not Burn" and "People Live Here" at night. — Boarded storefronts on Lake Street in Minneapolis are marked with spray-painted messages reading “Do Not Burn” and “People Live Here” in this nighttime view from September 2020. The plywood covers retail windows and doors along a commercial corridor that was heavily damaged after protests following the killing of George Floyd in May 2020.

Boarded storefronts line Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis at night, September 2020. — Boarded storefronts line Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis at night in late September 2020.

Dakota Jazz Club storefront boarded with plywood on Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis at night. — The Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant on Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis is boarded over with plywood on its doors and street-facing windows.

Boarded Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen storefront on Lake Street at night with graffiti markings. — Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen on Lake Street in Minneapolis stands boarded up at night, with plywood covering its windows and graffiti visible across the storefront.

Hennepin County Family Justice Center storefront boarded with plywood behind chain-link fencing in downtown Minneapolis. — The Hennepin County Family Justice Center in downtown Minneapolis is boarded over at street level behind chain-link fencing and concrete barriers. The building houses Hennepin County court functions related to family law and domestic matters. The protective barriers and plywood cover much of the ground-floor facade along the street, reflecting heightened security measures in place in September 2020.

Boarded Starbucks storefront at Nicollet Mall Station in downtown Minneapolis at night with neon signage visible. — A boarded Starbucks at Nicollet Mall Station in downtown Minneapolis is shown at the corner of South Marquette Avenue beside the METRO light rail platform.

Boarded entrance to 365 Nicollet apartment building in downtown Minneapolis with glass doors visible behind plywood panels. — The entrance to the 365 Nicollet apartment building in downtown Minneapolis is surrounded by plywood boarding while the glass entry doors remain accessible.

Boarded storefronts of 4Marq Apartments on Marquette Avenue in downtown Minneapolis at night. — The 4Marq Apartments on Marquette Avenue in downtown Minneapolis are boarded at street level at night.

Target World Headquarters storefront at 1000 Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis boarded with plywood at night. — Target World Headquarters at 1000 Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis is seen at night with its ground-floor windows and entrances covered by plywood.

Boarded up Hennepin County Government Center August 2020 — The Hennepin County Government Center in Downtown Minneapolis stands boarded up in August 2020. This measure was taken amidst widespread unrest and protests following the killing of George Floyd, and specifically after false rumors of a police shooting circulated in the city. Designed by John Carl Warnecke & Associates and completed in 1974, the building serves as the primary seat for Hennepin County government, housing the Hennepin County District Court and various administrative offices. The boarding reflects the extensive security measures implemented across Minneapolis during a period of significant social upheaval.

Former kmart store covered in graffiti — The former K-Mart building on Lake Street in Minneapolis was transformed into a public art installation following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. Its boarded-up facade became a canvas for large-scale murals and graffiti. These artworks emerged during a period of widespread protest and rebuilding in the city. Subsequently, the building was repurposed to house a temporary Post Office, providing essential services after two nearby postal facilities were damaged.

Boards on Total Wireless in South Minneapolis — Storefronts along Lake Street in Minneapolis display murals painted on protective boards. These boards were installed on businesses in August 2020, following widespread protests in Minneapolis after the May 25, 2020 death of George Floyd. The murals, created by community members and artists, transformed the temporary barriers into public canvases for messages of hope, unity, and social justice. Messages such as 'Black Lives Matter' and calls for community solidarity are visible on the boards covering businesses like Total Wireless, Pineda Tacos, and Subway.

ICC Wireless open for business — The storefront of ICC Wireless Boost Mobile on Lake Street in Minneapolis is covered with plywood boards. These boards were installed for protection during the Minneapolis Uprising, a period of civil unrest following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. Despite the protective barriers, the store declared itself "Open for Business" with painted signs, alongside other messages like "We fix Phones," and the company logos.

PEACE written on boards covering a Subway restaurant — A Subway restaurant on East Lake Street in South Minneapolis displays "PEACE" graffiti across its boarded windows and entrance. The plywood panels were installed following widespread protests that occurred in Minneapolis after the death of George Floyd on May 25, 2020.

Kmart covered in art boards in August 2020 — The former K-Mart store on West Lake Street in Minneapolis displays extensive murals created in the aftermath of the 2020 protests. These artworks, some depicting portraits and messages related to the Minneapolis Uprising, transformed the building's exterior into a public canvas. The retail store has since been repurposed as a United States Post Office, providing essential services after two local post offices were destroyed by fire during the protests.

MPD defund fuck trump at George Floyd Square — George Floyd Square, located at the intersection of Chicago Avenue and East 38th Street in Minneapolis, is shown on August 19, 2020. This site became a community-maintained memorial and protest zone following the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police on May 25, 2020, outside the adjacent Cup Foods. The Speedway gas station sign displays protest messages such as "MPD = DEFUND" and "FUCK TRUMP," while the surrounding area features numerous tributes, graffiti, and art installations. The square functioned as an autonomous zone for a period, serving as a gathering place for activism, remembrance, and community support.

Thurston Jewelers and Bondesque in Uptown Minneapolis — Thurston Jewelers and Bondesque, located on Lake Street in Uptown Minneapolis, are depicted with their storefronts boarded. These boards feature various protest art and messages, including calls for justice and affirmations like 'Black Lives Are Beautiful'. The boarding and artwork emerged during the 2020 protests in Minneapolis, following the murder of George Floyd, which led to widespread civil unrest and calls for systemic change.

Minneapolis police surveillance camera in downtown Minneapolis — Boarded-up commercial buildings line a street in Downtown Minneapolis in August 2020. A Minneapolis Police mobile surveillance camera is positioned in the foreground, providing additional security monitoring near the boarded storefronts, which are located around the corner from the Minneapolis Police First Precinct station.

Plywood-boarded storefront on Hennepin Avenue displays "I CAN'T BREATHE," Black Lives Matter, and Minneapolis stickers. — "I Can't Breathe" became a rallying cry after Eric Garner's 2014 death in police custody and resurfaced nationally following George Floyd's killing in Minneapolis in May 2020. Business owners along Hennepin Avenue boarded up storefronts during the unrest that followed, and many of those panels became surfaces for spray-painted messages and stickers. Black Lives Matter, founded in 2013 by Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi, is referenced directly on one board. The "Minneapolis: The Happiest Place on Earth" sticker ties to the Mapping Prejudice project at the University of Minnesota, which maps historic racial covenants that once barred Black residents from owning property in parts of the city.

Graffiti reading "RIP FLOYD" and "LOVE GEORGE" on boarded Walgreens storefront, Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, August 2020. — Plywood covered this Walgreens on Hennepin Avenue after windows were broken during the unrest following George Floyd's death in police custody on May 25, 2020. Business owners across Minneapolis boarded up storefronts in the days that followed, and many of those panels turned into makeshift memorials and message boards. Here, someone spray-painted "RIP FLOYD" alongside a raised fist and the words "LOVE GEORGE," part of a wave of street tributes that spread through the city's commercial corridors that summer.

"Mapping Prejudice" sticker on wood board in Uptown Minneapolis featuring castle silhouette and "The Happiest Place on Earth — Mapping Prejudice is a University of Minnesota research project that maps racial covenants — clauses once written into property deeds barring non-white residents from owning or occupying homes — across Hennepin County. The project has identified thousands of these covenants, many dating to the early 20th century, and made its findings public through an online map at mappingprejudice.org. This sticker, styled after the Disney castle logo and reading "Minneapolis: The Happiest Place on Earth," uses that branding to point to the gap between the city's reputation and its documented history of housing discrimination.

Chicago Lake Liquor store with boards over windows — Chicago Lake Liquors, a retail establishment located on Lake Street in Minneapolis, is shown with its storefront windows boarded up. This protective measure was implemented in response to the civil unrest that occurred in Minneapolis following the killing of George Floyd in May 2020. Boarding up businesses became a common practice across the city during this period to prevent damage and looting. Lake Street, a major commercial corridor, experienced significant damage and disruption during the uprising, with many businesses like Chicago Lake Liquors taking precautions or facing rebuilding efforts.

Justice for Calvin posters and flowers memorializing Calvin Horton Jr. at Cadillac Pawn on Minneapolis Lake Street. — Posters and flowers adorn the boarded-up Cadillac Pawn & Jewelry on Lake Street in Minneapolis, serving as a memorial for Calvin Horton Jr. Horton was shot and killed by the store's owner, John Rieple, on May 27, 2020, during the widespread unrest in Minneapolis following the death of George Floyd. The flyers announce a public press release and a vigil followed by a march on July 21, 2020, demanding justice and highlighting that no charges had been filed against Rieple 55 days after the incident.

Memorial photographs of Calvin Horton Jr. affixed to boarded storefront of Cadillac Pawn on Minneapolis Lake Street at dusk. — A memorial for Calvin Horton Jr. stands outside Cadillac Pawn on Lake Street in Minneapolis. Horton Jr. was shot and killed on May 27, 2020, during the civil unrest that followed the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. The memorial features posters bearing Horton Jr.'s image and calls for justice, affixed to the plywood boards protecting the storefront, alongside flowers and candles placed on the sidewalk.

Boarded storefront of Cadillac Pawn on Minneapolis's Lake Street displays colorful graffiti and memorial messages honoring Calvin Horton Jr. — A boarded-up storefront of Cadillac Pawn on Lake Street in Minneapolis displays graffiti and memorial messages for Calvin Horton Jr. Horton Jr. was killed by the owner of the pawn shop on May 27, 2020, during the civil unrest that followed the murder of George Floyd.

Back of fire damaged USPS post office in Minneapolis — The USPS Lake Street Station and a Stop N Shop gas station stand on Lake Street in Minneapolis. These commercial properties sustained significant damage, including instances of arson, during the civil unrest that occurred in May 2020 following the death of George Floyd. The boarded-up windows and visible repairs on both structures reflect the impact of these events on local businesses and infrastructure. The USPS facility continues to serve as a critical postal service hub for the surrounding community, while the Stop N Shop provides essential fuel and convenience services.

Say their names BLM Native Lives Matter boards — A Speedway gas station in South Minneapolis displays painted art boards covering its windows. These murals emerged during the Minneapolis Uprising, a period of widespread protest and unrest following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. The plywood boards, initially installed for protection, became a public canvas for messages such as "Justice Now," "Say Their Names," "BLM," and "Native Lives Matter." This form of public art provided a means of community expression and remembrance, reflecting the social and political climate of the time.

Hand-painted protest sign with Prince quote and peace symbol displayed on ivy-covered fence in South Minneapolis. — This protest sign, displayed in South Minneapolis, features a quote attributed to Prince: "Nobody thought the revolution would start in Minneapolis except Prince." The sign was out during the widespread protests and civil unrest that followed the killing of George Floyd in May 2020.

Ingebretsen’s store on Lake Street with boards — Ingebretsen's, a long-standing Scandinavian food market and gift shop, is located at 1601 E Lake Street in South Minneapolis. Established in 1921, the family-owned business has served as a cultural hub for the city's Scandinavian community for over a century. The store's windows were boarded and subsequently covered with protest messages and graffiti following the civil unrest in May 2020, which occurred after the death of George Floyd. Messages such as "HUMAN FAMILY" and a quote from Martin Luther King Jr. advocating for justice were painted on the protective boards, reflecting community sentiments during this period. This image documents the physical impact and public expression on local businesses along Lake Street during a significant moment in Minneapolis's recent history.

Star Dragon Chinese Restaurant with boards — Star Dragon Restaurant, a Chinese restaurant located at 1540 E Lake Street in South Minneapolis, is shown with its windows boarded up. These protective measures were implemented during the civil unrest that followed the May 25, 2020, death of George Floyd. Despite the plywood coverings, the business remained operational, as indicated by the "OPEN" signs painted on the boards and the partially opened entrance. This retail establishment on Lake Street illustrates the resilience and challenges faced by local businesses during a period of significant social upheaval in the city.

Boards on Cadillac Pawn on Lake Street reading Fuck 12 — Cadillac Pawn, located at 1538 E Lake Street in Minneapolis, stands boarded with graffiti following the widespread unrest that occurred after the May 25th, 2020 death of George Floyd. The retail store was heavily looted during these events. Messages spray-painted on the boards include "RIP Calvin" and "Fuck this store," referencing Calvin Horton Jr., who was shot and killed by the store owner, with no charges filed in the case. This site serves as a stark reminder of the community's grievances and the profound impact of the 2020 protests on local businesses and the urban environment.

Midtown Transit Center with boards on windows — The Midtown Transit Center at Chicago Avenue and Lake Street in Minneapolis is shown boarded up on July 16, 2020. This facility serves as a key public transportation hub, connecting multiple bus routes in the city. The boarding of the transit center and surrounding retail stores occurred in the aftermath of the civil unrest that followed the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. Many businesses and public structures across Minneapolis were secured with boards during this period, reflecting widespread efforts to protect properties.

Hop Wong Restaurant with boards on it and open sign — The Hop Wong Chinese Restaurant on Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis is seen boarded up, with a sign indicating it remains open for takeout and delivery services. The adjacent structure to the left is severely damaged by fire, its interior reduced to rubble. This image documents the impact on local businesses in the aftermath of the 2020 protests and civil unrest that followed the death of George Floyd on May 25th. The restaurant's efforts to continue operations reflect the resilience of community establishments during a period of significant disruption and recovery.

Gamut Galley art boards — Storefronts along a street in Minneapolis, including Gamut Gallery, are boarded with plywood. These boards were installed to protect businesses during the civil unrest and protests that followed the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. Many of the plywood panels were subsequently transformed into murals and public art, reflecting themes of justice and community. Businesses like Gamut Gallery, 'fades of gray,' 'BEE INK,' and 'ROSE SALON' participated in this widespread practice across the city.

Abolish the police and George Floyd murals on Minnehaha — Murals and protest art adorn boarded-up buildings along Minnehaha Avenue in South Minneapolis. These public art installations emerged in the aftermath of the May 25, 2020, death of George Floyd and the subsequent widespread protests. The artwork includes tributes to George Floyd, calls for justice, and messages such as "Abolish The Police," reflecting the community's demands for systemic change. Serving as a temporary public canvas, these expressions visually documented the grief and activism that characterized the Minneapolis Uprising.

ReUSE Minnesota flyer on a plywood board — A flyer from ReUSE Minnesota is displayed on a plywood storefront in Minneapolis. The organization coordinates the recovery of plywood used to cover doors and windows across the Twin Cities. This initiative emerged following the widespread boarding up of businesses during the Minneapolis Uprising, aiming to divert materials from landfills. ReUSE Minnesota also collaborates with the Minnesota Historical Society to preserve select pieces of plywood, recognizing their cultural and historical significance as artifacts from a period of social unrest.

You Hold the Key mural on boarded-up CVS boards, Lake Street, Minneapolis — The "You Hold the Key" mural by Ballard covers a boarded-up CVS Pharmacy on Lake Street in Minneapolis. Painted in 2020, it features a heart, the word "PEACE," and a large key on protective boards over the storefront.

Boards on the Ananya Dance Theatre in St Paul — The Ananya Dance Theatre in St. Paul features murals painted on its boarded-up exterior. These artworks emerged in the aftermath of the 2020 protests following the murder of George Floyd, transforming the protective boards into a public expression of grief and calls for justice. The murals include messages such as "JUSTICE FOR GEORGE FLOYD" and "BLACK LIVES MATTER," alongside affirmations like "POC WOMAN OWNED," reflecting the theatre's identity and community solidarity. Ananya Dance Theatre, a professional dance company, uses performance to address social justice issues, making its building a fitting canvas for these protest art expressions.

Slice of new york pizza store on Nicollet Ave in Minneapolis — A Slice of New York pizza shop on Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis is shown with its storefront windows boarded up. This protective measure was widely adopted by businesses in the area following the civil unrest and protests that erupted after the death of George Floyd on May 25, 2020. Despite the boarding, which includes messages like 'We Are Open' and murals referencing the Black Lives Matter movement, the establishment continues to operate for carry-out and delivery. The image reflects the resilience of local businesses and the visible impact of the historical events on the urban environment of Minneapolis.

West Lake Street boarded up businesses — Murals adorn boarded-up storefronts along West Lake Street in Minneapolis's Lyn-Lake neighborhood. These boards were installed on businesses in July 2020 as a protective measure following civil unrest that occurred after the May 25, 2020 murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. Many of these temporary barriers were subsequently transformed into public art by various artists. The murals became a significant visual record of the period, contributing to the cultural landscape of Uptown Minneapolis.

Adult boutique store with boards on it — The storefronts of Augies and Brass Rail, adult entertainment venues on Hennepin Avenue in Downtown Minneapolis, are boarded up. This measure was widely adopted by businesses during the Minneapolis Uprising in May 2020, following the killing of George Floyd. The plywood boards feature graffiti, including "RIP Floyd," "ANARCHY," and "ACAB," reflecting the public outcry and calls for justice. Hennepin Avenue has long served as a significant commercial and entertainment corridor in the city, and these boarded establishments document the period of civil unrest and its impact on the urban landscape.

Boarded storefront murals at Fifth Element on Hennepin Avenue in Uptown Minneapolis, June 2020. — Boarded storefronts at Fifth Element on Hennepin Avenue in Uptown Minneapolis are covered with murals and protest messages in June 2020. The plywood panels include hand-painted portraits, “Black Lives Matter” text, and a memorial sign for George Floyd, whose killing on May 25, 2020, led many businesses across Minneapolis to install protective boarding.

Boarded Spectacle Shoppe and Fifth Element on Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, covered with George Floyd murals. — The Spectacle Shoppe and Fifth Element on Hennepin Avenue in Uptown Minneapolis are boarded up and covered with murals and messages referencing George Floyd and Black Lives Matter. Photographed in late June 2020, the storefronts combine business signage with painted tributes, protest text, and portraits across the plywood panels.

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