Honoring George Floyd: Family Fights to Preserve the Last Place He Breathed Life

Last May, Roger Floyd and Thomas McLaurin walked through Minneapolis at the site where George Floyd was killed. It’s been four years since his tragic death, but the area is still marked by barriers, a stark reminder of what happened.

At the corner where Floyd lost his life, there’s a mural of him at a bus stop. McLaurin stood there, remembering his cousin. “That’s my blood that was laying there taking his last breath,” he reflected. The memorial, surrounded by flowers and tributes, is a sacred space for the family. Roger expressed feelings of sadness mixed with peace, lamenting how Floyd’s life seemed undervalued.

Now, five years later, the future of this landmark remains unclear. The city council is debating how to develop the site. Floyd and McLaurin want it preserved as a historic area, a place that sparked a global movement for racial justice. They envision a pedestrian-friendly plaza with a memorial, shops, and even a library.

This ongoing debate reveals a broader conflict in Minneapolis. Some council members support creating a pedestrian area that limits vehicle access, aiming to enhance local businesses and community life. Meanwhile, Mayor Jacob Frey and many business owners advocate for a plan that restores more traffic—hoping to revive the area’s vitality.

The square was once a bustling space, home to the oldest Black-owned newspaper in the city and numerous Black-owned businesses. Yet now, many describe it as a “ghost town.” Dwight Alexander, who runs a nearby restaurant, noted that the lack of traffic has pushed customers away. “There’s no motion, no energy here like it was before,” he said.

Social media often reflects mixed feelings about this situation. While some call for revitalization, others emphasize the need for remembrance. The site has transformed into a center for mourning and protest. During the summer of 2020, it became a focal point for demonstrations against police violence.

Researchers like Michael McQuarrie highlight that this area allowed for collective grieving. “When you make it a communal experience, you reveal the systemic violence faced by Black individuals,” he explained.

However, the city hasn’t reached a consensus on how to balance memorialization with revitalization. A survey showed that more than 70% of residents wanted to ensure that traffic flows return to the area. Council member Linea Palmisano criticized the ongoing delay, stating it’s time to honor Floyd while also revitalizing Minneapolis.

Yet, many argue that healing cannot be rushed. Council member Jason Chavez believes the site must remain a historical landmark, reflecting on the realities of police brutality. Historian Yohuru Williams warned against simplifying the tragedy into a narrative with a happy ending, cautioning that such a mindset could lead to forgetting the lessons of the past.

As Minneapolis grapples with its past, the future of the site is still in flux, mixing the need for remembrance with the wish for revival.



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