Chalk Art

9 photos · 2020–2021

9 photographs tagged Chalk Art, 2020–2021.

Seven Points Doesn't Want You To Know Chalk — Chalk writing that reads "Seven Points Doesn't Want You To Know" written outside the parking ramp where Winston Smith was killed by law enforcement on June 3rd, 2021.

Chalk reading Where is the footage Winston Smith protest — Chalk art on Lake Street in Minneapolis reads "WHERE'S FOOTAGE?" and "NO GOOD COPS IN A RACIST SYSTEM." This protest was in response to the shooting death of Winston Smith by law enforcement on June 3rd, 2021. The "Minneapolis Uprising" refers to the widespread protests that occurred in Minneapolis following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020, and continued in response to other instances of police brutality and racial injustice.

Artist draws a memorial on red pavement in Minneapolis. — An artist creates a memorial drawing on the pavement outside the parking garage where Winston Smith died on June 3rd. The drawing is a tribute to Smith, who was killed by law enforcement officers. 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. On June 3, 2021, members of a U.S. Marshals Service fugitive task force fatally shot 32-year-old Winston “Boogie” Smith Jr. on the top level of a parking ramp in Minneapolis’ Uptown neighborhood while attempting to arrest him on a felony warrant. Authorities said Smith fired a handgun from inside his vehicle during the encounter, while family members and activists questioned the official account and demanded the release of additional evidence. The killing led to weeks of protests, street occupations, and confrontations with police in Uptown, becoming another major flashpoint in Minneapolis during the period following the murder of George Floyd. Earlier in the day Minneapolis city officials along with The Agape Movement coordinated to open the streets that had been closed at George Floyd Square since his murder.

Chalk messages on Lake Street in Minneapolis honor Deona Marie Knajdek and call for white supremacy to end. — Chalk art on Lake Street in Minneapolis commemorates Deona Marie, who was killed on June 13th while protesting the law enforcement shooting death of Winston Smith on June 3rd. 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. On June 3, 2021, members of a U.S. Marshals Service fugitive task force fatally shot 32-year-old Winston “Boogie” Smith Jr. on the top level of a parking ramp in Minneapolis’ Uptown neighborhood while attempting to arrest him on a felony warrant. Authorities said Smith fired a handgun from inside his vehicle during the encounter, while family members and activists questioned the official account and demanded the release of additional evidence. The killing led to weeks of protests, street occupations, and confrontations with police in Uptown, becoming another major flashpoint in Minneapolis during the period following the murder of George Floyd. Earlier in the day Minneapolis city officials along with The Agape Movement coordinated to open the streets that had been closed at George Floyd Square since his murder.

Chalk messages cover Seven Points Mall in Minneapolis after the Winston Smith protest. — Chalk messages, including tributes to Winston Smith and slogans such as "Black Lives Matter," adorn the sidewalk and building exterior of Seven Points Mall in Minneapolis. On June 3, 2021, members of a U.S. Marshals Service fugitive task force fatally shot 32-year-old Winston “Boogie” Smith Jr. on the top level of a parking ramp in Minneapolis’ Uptown neighborhood while attempting to arrest him on a felony warrant. Authorities said Smith fired a handgun from inside his vehicle during the encounter, while family members and activists questioned the official account and demanded the release of additional evidence. The killing led to weeks of protests, street occupations, and confrontations with police in Uptown, becoming another major flashpoint in Minneapolis during the period following the murder of George Floyd. Earlier in the day Minneapolis city officials along with The Agape Movement coordinated to open the streets that had been closed at George Floyd Square since his murder.

Chalk protest graffiti at Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis behind security fencing. — Chalk graffiti adorns the exterior of the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis, a site that became a focal point during the protests following the murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020. The messages, including "Steps for Killer Cops," "End Qualified Immunity," and "Fuck 12! Blue Lives MURDER," reflect the public outcry and demands for justice and accountability. The trial of Derek Chauvin, the officer accused of Floyd's murder, took place in Minneapolis, amplifying the significance of these messages as expressions of dissent and calls for systemic change.

Chalk outside US Bank Plaza boards — Chalk messages, including "Stop Killer Cops" and "Justice," were written on a wall outside the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis during the trial of Derek Chauvin. The trial, which began in March 2021, stemmed from the May 25, 2020 murder of George Floyd. The messages reflect the public sentiment and activism surrounding the case, which gained national and international attention.

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.

Chalk on the sidewalk outside the mayors home — Chalk art on the street outside Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey's home in Northeast Minneapolis, The protest addressed the city's policies regarding homeless encampment evictions. The message, 'Jacob + Police = ", reflects public sentiment and criticism directed at the mayor and law enforcement.

Built in Minneapolis

Minneapolis Photographer

An ongoing archive of work.

Facebook Instagram Threads X Bluesky Flickr

© 1996–2026 Chad Davis