George Floyd Memorial

55 photos · 2020–2026

55 photographs tagged George Floyd Memorial, 2020–2026.

George Floyd Memorial on 6th Anniversary of Floyd's murder
The George Floyd Memorial on the 6th anniversary of George Floyd's murder. On May 25, 2020, Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin murdered 46-year-old George Floyd during an arrest outside Cup Foods at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in south Minneapolis. Video recorded by bystanders showed Chauvin kneeling on Floyd’s neck for more than nine minutes while Floyd repeatedly said he could not breathe. Three other Minneapolis police officers - J. Alexander Kueng, Thomas Lane, and Tou Thao — were also present during the arrest and later faced criminal charges for their roles in Floyd’s death.

“We Own Us Ours” Barriers at George Floyd Square

George Floyd Memorial in Minneapolis on May 22 2026
The George Floyd Memorial in South Minneapolis a seen on May 22, 2026.

Cup Foods and George Floyd Square at Night

Man bowing his head at George Floyd Memorial during fifth anniversary observance at 38th and Chicago in Minneapolis.
A man pays his respects at the George Floyd Memorial in Minneapolis on the fifth anniversary of his murder. Located at George Floyd Square, the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, this site became a community-maintained protest space and memorial following Floyd's murder on May 25, 2020.

Man Kneels Among Flowers at George Floyd Square Memorial

Memorial garden with flowers and painted portraits at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis during fifth anniversary observance.
George Floyd Square Memorial in Minneapolis marks the fifth anniversary of George Floyd's murder. This site, located at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, continues to be a place of protest.

Portraits of Philando Castile and Amir Locke at George Floyd Square

Woman places a red rose at the George Floyd Memorial in Minneapolis during the fifth anniversary commemoration.
A woman places a flower at the George Floyd Memorial in Minneapolis, observing the fifth anniversary of George Floyd's murder.

Woman Arranges Flowers at George Floyd Square Memorial

Paris Stevens, cousin of George Floyd, stands at a memorial site in Minneapolis during the fifth anniversary commemoration.
Paris Stevens, cousin of George Floyd, stands at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis during the fifth anniversary commemoration of his murder.

Paris Stevens Speaks with Attendee at Rise and Remember 2025

Minneapolis mayoral candidate DeWayne Davis converses with a community member at George Floyd Square during a fifth anniversary of Floyd's murder.
Minneapolis mayoral candidate DeWayne Davis engages with a community member at George Floyd Square. This location, at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis, became a significant memorial site following the murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020. The gathering marks the fifth anniversary of Floyd's death, an event that sparked widespread protests against racial injustice and police brutality.

DeWayne Davis Talks with Attendee at Rise and Remember Festival

Angela Harrelson, George Floyd's aunt, participates in a vigil at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis.
Angela Harrelson, George Floyd's aunt and co-chair of Rise and Remember, participates in a vigil at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis. The event, part of the "Rise and Remember" commemoration in 2025, marked the fifth anniversary of George Floyd's murder. George Floyd Square, located at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, became a community-maintained memorial and protest site following his death on May 25, 2020.

Candlelight Vigil at George Floyd Square’s Rise and Remember Anniversary

George Floyd Square Winter February 2025
An ice heart memorial marks the site outside Cup Foods at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis, where George Floyd was murdered by police in May 2020.

Ice Heart at the George Floyd Memorial

Protest barriers with "Black Lives Matter" and "Protect Our People" messages at George Floyd Square, Chicago Avenue and East 38th Street, Minneapolis.
George Floyd Square, located at the intersection of Chicago Avenue and East 38th Street in Minneapolis.

Barricades at East 38th Street in George Floyd Square at Night

George Floyd Memorial at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis features a colorful mural with his portrait surrounded by candles and flowers at night.
The George Floyd Memorial at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis, November 2024, features birthday candles surrounding a portrait of George Floyd. This memorial is situated at the intersection of Chicago Avenue and East 38th Street, an area that became the site of ongoing protests following Floyd's murder on May 25, 2020.

Candlelit George Floyd Mural at George Floyd Square

Daunte Wright Memorial at George Floyd Square August 2024
The Daunte Wright Memorial is located at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This memorial honors Daunte Wright, who was killed by a Brooklyn Center police officer in April 2021.

Daunte Wright Memorial at George Floyd Square, Minneapolis

A colorful mural depicting George Floyd lies on the street at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis, surrounded by candles, flowers, and plants.
A vibrant mural depicting George Floyd adorns the street at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis, the site where he died in police custody on May 25, 2020.

George Floyd Memorial Mural at George Floyd Square

Colorful street mural depicting George Floyd at the George Floyd Memorial in Minneapolis.
A mural depicting George Floyd adorns the street at the site of his killing by Minneapolis Police officers on May 25, 2020. This artwork, created for the fourth anniversary of his death, is part of a larger memorial at the intersection of Chicago Avenue and 38th Street, known as George Floyd Square.

Pavement Portrait of George Floyd at 38th and Chicago

George Floyd and Imez Wright memorial
The George Floyd Memorial at George Floyd Square. The location marks the place George Floyd was murdered in May 2020.

George Floyd Memorial at George Floyd Square at night

Memorial site at Unity Foods storefront on Chicago Avenue and 38th Street in Minneapolis, marked with flowers and colored ribbons
The George Floyd Memorial outside Cup Foods at the intersection of Chicago Avenue and 38th Street in South Minneapolis, an area that became known as George Floyd Square. This site marks the location where George Floyd was killed on May 25, 2020.

Snow-Covered George Floyd Memorial at George Floyd Square

Green and yellow street markings and memorial tributes line the intersection at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis.
The George Floyd Memorial at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis, February 18, 2023.

Night at George Floyd Square Outside Cup Foods

People visiting the George Floyd Memorial at George Floyd Square
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.

George Floyd Memorial, George Floyd Square, Minneapolis, August 2022

Minneapolis City of Finding out sign at George Floyd Square
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.

Minneapolis: George Floyd Square “City of Finding Out” Sign

Wrapped raised-fist sculptures at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis on a snowy night.
Five raised fist sculptures, memorials to George Floyd and Amir Locke, stand covered in snow at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis. The intersection, which became a focal point for activism and remembrance following the murder of George Floyd in 2020 and the killing of Amir Locke in 2022, has remained a site for community mourning and protest. Amir Locke was killed earlier in the month by Minneapolis Police officers during a no knock warrant at a Downtown Minneapolis apartment building. The blankets around the fist refers to the blanket that Amir Locke was covered in when shot.

George Floyd Square Memorial Sculptures in Snow, Minneapolis

Amir Locke memorial banners at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis at night.
George Floyd Square in Minneapolis, a site of ongoing protest and mourning, is shown at night. Raised fist sculptures, draped in blankets in memory of Amir Locke, stand at the intersection. The area, which has been open to traffic since June, continues to serve as a community gathering space for open meetings and remembrance. Amir Locke was killed the week prior by Minneapolis Police officers during a no knock warrant at a Downtown Minneapolis apartment building.

George Floyd Square, Minneapolis: Amir Locke Memorial at Night

Amir Locke justice sign at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis beside a canopy reading "Where there's people there's power."
A sign at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis reads "AMIR LOCKE WAS LYNCHED! JUSTICE NOW!!" The phrase "WHERE THERE'S PEOPLE THERE'S POWER" is spray-painted on the canopy of a nearby structure. George Floyd Square became a focal point for protests following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020 and has since been a site of ongoing activism and community organizing. Amir Locke was killed the week prior by Minneapolis Police officers during a no knock warrant at a Downtown Minneapolis apartment building.

George Floyd Square: Amir Locke Justice Now Sign

George Floyd Square Memorial in the snow
George Floyd Square in Minneapolis is seen during winter, with snow covering the ground and memorial elements. The site, located at the intersection of Chicago Avenue and 38th Street, became a focal point for protests and activism following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. It has since been maintained as a memorial and community space by local residents.

George Floyd Square Memorial, Minneapolis, in Winter

Minneapolis Police and George Floyd Square Car Crash
Minneapolis Police and Rescue respond to a man having a medical emergency as he drove through the east side fist. No one on the scene was injured.

Minneapolis Police and George Floyd Square Car Crash

Artists remove George Floyd mural prior to snow
Community members carefully dismantle a mural dedicated to George Floyd at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis. The artwork, a significant symbol of remembrance and protest following Floyd's murder in May 2020, was removed as a winter storm approached. The square, located at the intersection of Chicago Avenue and 38th Street, became a focal point for demonstrations against racial injustice and police brutality. The removal of the mural signifies a complex chapter in the ongoing memorialization and community engagement at this historically charged location.

George Floyd mural removed from George Floyd Square before snow

Caretaker lights candles at George Floyd Memorial
A caretaker lights candles at the George Floyd Memorial, located at the intersection of Chicago Avenue and 38th Street in Minneapolis. This site became a focal point for protests and activism following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. The memorial serves as a space for remembrance, reflection, and continued calls for racial justice. It is adorned with flowers, artwork, and messages, including "We Will Not Forget" and "Lives On In Us All."

Caretaker lights candles at George Floyd Memorial

Candles Lit At George Floyd Square on Georges 48th
On what would have been George Floyd's 48th birthday, individuals gathered at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis to light candles. This site, located at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, became a focal point for protests and a memorial following Floyd's murder in May 2020. The square has since evolved into a space for community remembrance and activism, reflecting the ongoing impact of the events of 2020.

George Floyd Square: Candles Lit for 48th Birthday

George Floyds Family Releasing Balloons
Family and friends of George Floyd gathered at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis to commemorate his 48th birthday. The event, organized by the George Floyd Global Memorial, included the release of balloons by Floyd's aunt Angela Harrelson, his cousin Paris Stevens, and Jeanelle Austin. George Floyd Square has become a significant site of remembrance and activism following Floyd's murder in May 2020.

George Floyd Square: Balloons Released for 48th Birthday

Paris Stevens speaks at George Floyd Square on Floyds 48th
Paris Stevens, cousin of George Floyd, speaks at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis on what would have been George Floyd's 48th birthday. The square, located at the intersection of Chicago Avenue and 38th Street, has been a memorial and gathering place since Floyd's murder in May 2020. The event marks a significant date for the community that has coalesced around the memorial, continuing to advocate for racial justice and police reform.

Paris Stevens speaks at George Floyd Square on his birthday

George Floyd Square on George Floyd's 48th Birthday
The George Floyd Square Memorial, located at the intersection of Chicago Avenue and 38th Street in South Minneapolis, was established following the murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020. The site became a focal point for protests against racial injustice and police brutality. This memorial, adorned with flowers, tributes, and artwork, serves as a space for remembrance and a testament to the ongoing movement for racial equity. It was photographed on what would have been George Floyd's 48th birthday.

George Floyd Square Memorial, Minneapolis

Cup Foods and the GF memorial September 2025
George Floyd Square in Minneapolis on September 6, 2021. George Floyd Square is at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in south Minneapolis. The 4 block area became a place of protest following the May 25th killing of George Floyd. The area has been transformed into a community memorial space filled with murals, protest art, flowers, barricades, and tributes honoring victims of police violence. The area remained occupied by protesters and closed to vehicular traffic for a year before barricades were removed on June 3, 2021. Following the removal of the barricades, cars began to flow through the area while daily community meetings continue to be held. The city purchased The People’s Way, the former Speedway gas station at 38th/Chicago in June 2023 with plans for a permanent memorial.

George Floyd Square Memorial, Minneapolis, September 2021

T-shirt and cross at George Floyd Square memorial in Minneapolis among flowers and tributes.
A t-shirt bearing the slogan "It Takes a Revolution" and an image of Bob Marley is displayed at the George Floyd Memorial in Minneapolis. The memorial was established at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, the site where George Floyd died in police custody on May 25, 2020. This location became a focal point for protests against racial injustice and police brutality following Floyd's death. The t-shirt and accompanying cross, inscribed with "Walk By Faith Not By Sight," are among the many tributes left by visitors to the memorial. On May 25, 2020, Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin murdered 46-year-old George Floyd during an arrest outside Cup Foods at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in south Minneapolis. Video recorded by bystanders showed Chauvin kneeling on Floyd’s neck for more than nine minutes while Floyd repeatedly said he could not breathe. Three other Minneapolis police officers - J. Alexander Kueng, Thomas Lane, and Tou Thao — were also present during the arrest and later faced criminal charges for their roles in Floyd’s death. Floyd’s murder sparked protests and civil unrest across Minneapolis and around the world, leading to widespread demonstrations against police violence, major policy debates on policing, and the conviction of Chauvin on murder and manslaughter charges in 2021.

George Floyd Square Memorial: “It Takes a Revolution” T-shirt

Memorials and barricades at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis, with people gathered nearby.
George Floyd Square, located at the intersection of East 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis, Minnesota, became a focal point for protests following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. The area was occupied by activists and community members for over a year, transforming it into a space for remembrance, political expression, and community organizing. This photograph shows the square after city officials had removed initial barricades and subsequently erected new ones, alongside numerous community-created memorials, including planters, flowers, candles, and artwork. On May 25, 2020, Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin murdered 46-year-old George Floyd during an arrest outside Cup Foods at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in south Minneapolis. Video recorded by bystanders showed Chauvin kneeling on Floyd’s neck for more than nine minutes while Floyd repeatedly said he could not breathe. Three other Minneapolis police officers - J. Alexander Kueng, Thomas Lane, and Tou Thao — were also present during the arrest and later faced criminal charges for their roles in Floyd’s death. Floyd’s murder sparked protests and civil unrest across Minneapolis and around the world, leading to widespread demonstrations against police violence, major policy debates on policing, and the conviction of Chauvin on murder and manslaughter charges in 2021.

George Floyd Square: New barricades and community memorials

Jay Webb speaks into a megaphone at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis.
Jay Webb addresses a gathering at the George Floyd Square garden in Minneapolis. The square, a site of protest and remembrance following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020, was the subject of ongoing community efforts to transform the space. This image was taken as the city began to reopen the intersection to vehicle traffic, a move that sparked debate and community organizing. On May 25, 2020, Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin murdered 46-year-old George Floyd during an arrest outside Cup Foods at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in south Minneapolis. Video recorded by bystanders showed Chauvin kneeling on Floyd’s neck for more than nine minutes while Floyd repeatedly said he could not breathe. Three other Minneapolis police officers - J. Alexander Kueng, Thomas Lane, and Tou Thao — were also present during the arrest and later faced criminal charges for their roles in Floyd’s death. Floyd’s murder sparked protests and civil unrest across Minneapolis and around the world, leading to widespread demonstrations against police violence, major policy debates on policing, and the conviction of Chauvin on murder and manslaughter charges in 2021.

Jay Webb speaks at George Floyd Square garden, Minneapolis

Flowers and memorial items packed in boxes at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis.
Flowers from the George Floyd Memorial in boxes as the city moves in to open up the streets. Seen on June 3, 2021. On May 25, 2020, Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin murdered 46-year-old George Floyd during an arrest outside Cup Foods at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in south Minneapolis. Video recorded by bystanders showed Chauvin kneeling on Floyd’s neck for more than nine minutes while Floyd repeatedly said he could not breathe. Three other Minneapolis police officers - J. Alexander Kueng, Thomas Lane, and Tou Thao — were also present during the arrest and later faced criminal charges for their roles in Floyd’s death. Floyd’s murder sparked protests and civil unrest across Minneapolis and around the world, leading to widespread demonstrations against police violence, major policy debates on policing, and the conviction of Chauvin on murder and manslaughter charges in 2021.

George Floyd Square Memorial Flowers Boxed in Minneapolis

Minneapolis Public Works crews remove barricades at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis.
Minneapolis Public Works crews began dismantling barricades at George Floyd Square on June 3, 2021. The intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue had been occupied by protesters and transformed into a community space since the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police on May 25, 2020. The "autonomous zone" became a focal point for racial justice protests and a memorial to Floyd, featuring art, gardens, and community gatherings. On May 25, 2020, Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin murdered 46-year-old George Floyd during an arrest outside Cup Foods at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in south Minneapolis. Video recorded by bystanders showed Chauvin kneeling on Floyd’s neck for more than nine minutes while Floyd repeatedly said he could not breathe. Three other Minneapolis police officers - J. Alexander Kueng, Thomas Lane, and Tou Thao — were also present during the arrest and later faced criminal charges for their roles in Floyd’s death. Floyd’s murder sparked protests and civil unrest across Minneapolis and around the world, leading to widespread demonstrations against police violence, major policy debates on policing, and the conviction of Chauvin on murder and manslaughter charges in 2021.

Minneapolis Public Works Remove Barricades at George Floyd Square

Minneapolis workers move concrete barricades at George Floyd Square outside Cup Foods.
Minneapolis Public Works employees place concrete barricades around George Floyd Square, a protest zone established after the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police. The square, located at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, became a focal point for demonstrations against racial injustice and police brutality. The area has been maintained by activists and community members as a memorial and a space for continued activism since May 2020. On the morning of June 3, 2021, city officials along with the Agape Movement coordinated to remove the street barricades and open the square to vehicular traffic. On May 25, 2020, Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin murdered 46-year-old George Floyd during an arrest outside Cup Foods at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in south Minneapolis. Video recorded by bystanders showed Chauvin kneeling on Floyd’s neck for more than nine minutes while Floyd repeatedly said he could not breathe. Three other Minneapolis police officers - J. Alexander Kueng, Thomas Lane, and Tou Thao — were also present during the arrest and later faced criminal charges for their roles in Floyd’s death. Floyd’s murder sparked protests and civil unrest across Minneapolis and around the world, leading to widespread demonstrations against police violence, major policy debates on policing, and the conviction of Chauvin on murder and manslaughter charges in 2021.

Minneapolis Public Works places barricades at George Floyd Square

People gather at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis as workers reopen East 38th Street to traffic.
City employees began reopening George Floyd Square to vehicle traffic on June 3, 2021, nearly a year after the intersection was closed following the murder of George Floyd. The square, located at the intersection of East 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis, became a focal point for protests against racial injustice and police brutality. It was transformed into a community space with memorials, art, and gardens, serving as a symbol of resistance and a gathering place for activism. On May 25, 2020, Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin murdered 46-year-old George Floyd during an arrest outside Cup Foods at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in south Minneapolis. Video recorded by bystanders showed Chauvin kneeling on Floyd’s neck for more than nine minutes while Floyd repeatedly said he could not breathe. Three other Minneapolis police officers — J. Alexander Kueng, Thomas Lane, and Tou Thao — were also present during the arrest and later faced criminal charges for their roles in Floyd’s death. Floyd’s murder sparked protests and civil unrest across Minneapolis and around the world, leading to widespread demonstrations against police violence, major policy debates on policing, and the conviction of Chauvin on murder and manslaughter charges in 2021.

Minneapolis: George Floyd Square Reopened to Traffic

Ice and snow at George Floyd Square
A large mural of George Floyd's face is displayed at George Floyd Square in South Minneapolis during the winter of 2021. The square, located at the intersection of Chicago Avenue and 38th Street, became a focal point for protests and activism following Floyd's murder by police in May 2020. The area has since been transformed into a memorial and community space, marked by various artworks, signs, and tributes, including this mural. On May 25, 2020, Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin murdered 46-year-old George Floyd during an arrest outside Cup Foods at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in south Minneapolis. Video recorded by bystanders showed Chauvin kneeling on Floyd’s neck for more than nine minutes while Floyd repeatedly said he could not breathe. Three other Minneapolis police officers - J. Alexander Kueng, Thomas Lane, and Tou Thao — were also present during the arrest and later faced criminal charges for their roles in Floyd’s death. Floyd’s murder sparked protests and civil unrest across Minneapolis and around the world, leading to widespread demonstrations against police violence, major policy debates on policing, and the conviction of Chauvin on murder and manslaughter charges in 2021.

George Floyd Square Mural in Winter, Minneapolis

I Cant Breathe George Floyd Memorial during ice storm
The George Floyd Memorial, located at the intersection of Chicago Avenue and 38th Street in Minneapolis, is a site of remembrance and protest. Following George Floyd's murder by police in May 2020, this area became a focal point for demonstrations against racial injustice and police brutality. The memorial features art, tributes, and the prominent phrase "I Can't Breathe," a reference to Floyd's final words.

George Floyd Memorial Ice and Snow, Minneapolis

George Floyd Memorial under heavy snow
George Floyd Square in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on January 23, 2021, during a snowfall. This site, located at the intersection of East 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, became a focal point for protests following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. The area, often referred to as the George Floyd Memorial, has been maintained by activists and community members as a space for remembrance and continued activism. The memorial features numerous tributes, including flowers, signs, and personal items, placed amidst the snow.

George Floyd Memorial in Minneapolis Under Snow

George Floyd Square during a snowstorm
The George Floyd Square Memorial, located at the intersection of Chicago Avenue and East 38th Street in Minneapolis, Minnesota, stands as a testament to the protests and uprisings that followed the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. This site, which was occupied by protesters for over a year, has become a permanent memorial and a gathering place for community remembrance and activism. The memorial features various tributes, including flowers, candles, and artwork, arranged around a central monument. Despite the winter snow, the site remains a significant location for reflecting on racial justice and police brutality.

George Floyd Square Memorial in Snow, Minneapolis

Fresh December snowfall at George Floyd Memorial
The George Floyd Memorial at George Floyd Square, located outside Cup Foods on Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis, is seen after a December snowfall. This site became an impromptu memorial following the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police on May 25, 2020, sparking widespread protests against racial injustice and police brutality. The memorial, which includes flowers, signs, and other tributes, serves as a permanent public space for remembrance and a symbol of the ongoing movement for civil rights. The area around Cup Foods, where Floyd was killed, was transformed into a community-managed space, reflecting its role as a focal point for activism and reflection.

George Floyd Square Memorial, Cup Foods, Minneapolis Snow

George Floyd Square memorial at 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis with chalk art and flower tributes.
George Floyd Square sits at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis, outside Cup Foods, where George Floyd died on May 25, 2020. The words "I can't breathe" — spoken by Floyd during his arrest and later echoed by Eric Garner in 2014 — are painted directly on the street alongside a large mural of angel wings. Flowers, handwritten signs, and personal offerings surround the artwork, left and maintained by visitors and neighborhood volunteers. For more than a year after Floyd's death, the intersection remained closed to through traffic and was informally managed by community members as a memorial and gathering space.

‘I Can’t Breathe’ Pavement Art at George Floyd Square

George Floyd Memorial at Cup Foods, 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, Minneapolis.
George Floyd was killed by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin on May 25, 2020, on the sidewalk outside Cup Foods at the corner of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue. Within days, the intersection filled with flowers, signs, and artwork, and residents began calling it George Floyd Square. A wrought-iron gate and a wall of flowers now mark the spot where Floyd died, tended by volunteers who've kept the memorial going through changes of season for months at a time.

George Floyd Square Memorial Outside Cup Foods

George Floyd’s family speaks at George Floyd Square
George Floyd's aunt Angela Harrelson, cousin Paris Stevens, and memorial caretaker Jeanelle Austin speak at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis. They gathered to commemorate what would have been George Floyd's 47th birthday. George Floyd Square, located at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, became a community memorial and protest site following Floyd's murder by police on May 25, 2020.

George Floyd’s family speaks at George Floyd Square on his 47th birthday

Angela Harrelson speaks at George Floyd Square
Angela Harrelson, aunt of George Floyd, addresses a gathering at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis. The event took place on what would have been George Floyd's 47th birthday, commemorating his life and the ongoing movement for racial justice. George Floyd Square, located at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, became a protest site and memorial following Floyd's murder by police in May 2020.

Angela Harrelson speaks at George Floyd Square on 47th Birthday

George Floyd mural covered up after vandalism
The George Floyd mural on the exterior of Cup Foods, located at E 38th Street in Minneapolis, is covered by a blue tarp. This action followed an act of vandalism against the artwork, which is a prominent feature of the George Floyd Memorial at George Floyd Square. The site gained profound historical significance as the location where George Floyd was killed in May 2020, leading to global protests against racial injustice.

George Floyd mural at Cup Foods covered after vandalism

George Floyd Memorial with sunburst
The George Floyd mural at Cup Foods on East 38th Street in Minneapolis located near where George Floyd was murdered by police on May 25, 2020. This location, known as George Floyd Square, became an autonomous zone and a significant memorial site following his death, drawing visitors and activists from around the world. The photograph, taken on August 17, 2020, shows the mural adorned with numerous flowers and other tributes, reflecting its ongoing use as a place of remembrance and protest.

George Floyd Square, Cup Foods Mural and Memorial Flowers at Sunset

George Floyd mural and memorial flowers at George Floyd Square, Minneapolis.
George Floyd Square formed at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue South, where Floyd was killed by Minneapolis police on May 25, 2020.

Memorial at George Floyd Square Outside Cup Foods

Community members distribute free produce and drinks outside Cup Foods on Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis.
George Floyd Square formed at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue after George Floyd was killed on May 25, 2020, prompting the city to barricade the area to vehicle traffic. Cup Foods, the corner store where the fatal police encounter began, sits at the center of the site. A "Keep Cup Closed" sign a push by some community members to keep the store shuttered rather than let it reopen for business. Volunteers have used the square to distribute free food and other supplies to residents throughout the ongoing occupation.

Free Produce Cart at George Floyd Square

Candles illuminating names of police violence victims painted on the street at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis.
George Floyd Square sits at the intersection of Chicago Avenue and East 38th Street, the site where George Floyd was killed by Minneapolis police on May 25, 2020. In the weeks and months that followed, the intersection was closed to traffic and taken over by residents and organizers, who filled it with memorials, artwork, and a list of names of other people killed by police around the country. The names painted across the pavement became one of the square's recurring memorial elements, repainted and added to as the site evolved from protest ground into a semi-permanent gathering place. The city did not fully reopen the intersection to vehicle traffic until June 2021.

Names of Police Violence Victims Painted on Chicago Avenue

George Floyd Memorial at 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis lit with candles and flowers at night.
A night photo of the George Floyd Memorial in August 2020.

Nighttime Memorial at 38th and Chicago

Flyers and mutual aid notices posted on plywood fencing at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis.
George Floyd Square sits at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, the corner where George Floyd was killed by Minneapolis police on May 25, 2020. The Twin Cities Mutual Aid Project, known locally as TCMAP, posts resource guides there covering food, supplies, and COVID-19 assistance for people in need.

TCMAP Mutual Aid Flyers at George Floyd Square

Mahmoud Abumayyaleh, owner of Cup Foods, stands outside his store at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis.
Cup Foods sits at the corner of East 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, the site where George Floyd was killed on May 25, 2020. Mahmoud Abumayyaleh, whose family has owned the store since 1990, closed the business in the aftermath and reopened it weeks later amid the memorial that grew around the intersection. The area has since been known as George Floyd Square.

Mahmoud Abumayyaleh at Cup Foods After Its Reopening