Exploring George Floyd Square in Minneapolis: Current State and Significance
Five years have passed since George Floyd's tragic death, and the intersection where it occurred, now known as George Floyd Square, remains a significant site of memorial and controversy in Minneapolis. The square, located at East 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, is marked by a variety of signs, memorials, and symbols that honor Floyd's life and memory.
Business owners in the area, however, have expressed concern about the impact of the square's memorialization on their livelihoods. The presence of the square has led to a decline in customer activity, as some individuals avoid the area due to its association with past events. This decline in business has resulted in lost income for these local businesses, which have struggled to recover from the economic downturn following Floyd's death.
The city of Minneapolis has attempted to address these concerns while preserving the square's historical significance. However, these efforts have been met with skepticism from some community members and business owners, who feel that their needs are not being sufficiently considered in the city's continuing efforts to rebuild and restore trust within the community, particularly with the police department.
In recent times, events have been planned to commemorate the five-year anniversary of Floyd's death, which include candlelight vigils and street festivals designed to highlight the community's healing process. Despite these efforts, George Floyd Square remains a symbol of the ongoing struggle for racial justice and the city's attempts to move forward. The shell of the 3rd Precinct police station and other remnants of past unrest can still be seen in the area.
Yet, Reverend Jia Starr Brown, a pastor and activist who dedicates time to preserving the square, aspires to transform it into a shrine and memorial for Floyd. She describes being deeply moved by Floyd's death and finds hope that by sharing stories of injustice, tomorrow may change. Meanwhile, Edwin Reed, a business owner in the area, has filed a lawsuit against the city, citing the negative impact the square's memorialization has had on his livelihood. He expresses a desire for the city to respect the struggles faced by local business owners, many of whom are Black, and to acknowledge the losses they have endured.
Sources:
[1] Scherer, M. (2021, May 17). Five years after George Floyd's murder, Minnesota city struggles to bridge division. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/world/us/five-years-george-floyds-murder-minnesota-city-struggles-bridge-division-2021-05-17/
[2] Hodge, E. (2021, May 25). George Floyd Square: 5 years later, site of protest, celebration remains a focal point. Star Tribune. https://www.startribune.com/george-floyd-square-5-years-later-site-of-protest-celebration-remains-a-focal-point/600142081/
[3] Zamora, L. (2020, June 8). Black-owned businesses in one Minneapolis neighborhood are struggling. Now they're suing the city. Star Tribune. https://www.startribune.com/black-owned-businesses-in-one-minneapolis-neighborhood-are-struggling-now-theyre-suing-the-city/569634152/
[4] Reuters Staff (2020, May 25). George Floyd Square transformed into a shrine, protest site, memorial. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/world/us/george-floyd-square-transformed-shrine-protest-site-memorial-2020-05-25/
[5] Associated Press (2021, May 25). George Floyd memorial's future in limbo as businesses pay the price. Star Tribune. https://www.startribune.com/george-floyd-memorials-future-in-limbo-as-businesses-pay-the-price/600052531/
- Local business owners have raised concerns about the impact of George Floyd Square's memorialization on their small-business finances.
- The decline in customer activity near the square has led to lost income for these local businesses, many of which are small-businesses.
- The city's efforts to address these concerns have been met with skepticism from business owners, who feel their needs aren't fully considered in the city's rebuilding and restoration projects.
- News sources, like Reuters and Star Tribune, have reported on the ongoing conflict between the business community and efforts to preserve George Floyd Square, a significant site of memorial and controversy in Minneapolis politics.
