Five Years Without George Floyd: A Life Remembered, A Movement That Changed the World

May 25, 2025

Today marks five years since the world witnessed the tragic and deeply impactful death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota — an event that sparked a global movement for justice, accountability, and systemic reform. On May 25, 2020, George Floyd’s life was cut short during an encounter with police that was recorded by a bystander and quickly spread across the world, igniting an international reckoning on race, policing, and human dignity.

Five years later, communities across the United States and beyond are pausing to remember George Floyd — not just as the man whose final words, “I can’t breathe,” became a rallying cry, but as a father, a brother, a friend, and a man who, like so many, was striving for a better life. Born in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and raised in Houston’s Third Ward, George Floyd was known to many by his nickname “Big Floyd.” He was a standout athlete in his youth and a man of towering presence and quiet humility who touched the lives of those around him.

His death, which occurred under the knee of then-Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, unleashed a groundswell of protest and pain. But it also gave rise to hope — hope for change, unity, and a better future. Millions of people took to the streets in cities around the world in the weeks and months following Floyd’s death, calling for justice not just for him, but for the countless other Black lives lost to police violence.

The momentum of the movement led to the conviction of Chauvin in 2021 on charges of murder and manslaughter, a rare legal outcome in cases of police brutality. The verdict was seen by many as a step forward — a symbol of accountability, though not yet full justice.

In the five years since his passing, George Floyd’s name has become synonymous with the demand for equality. Murals bearing his likeness now stand in places as far apart as Minneapolis, Berlin, Nairobi, and Rio de Janeiro. His memory is kept alive in schools that now include lessons on racial injustice, in legislation aimed at reforming policing practices, and in the hearts of millions who continue to fight for change.

The George Floyd Memorial Foundation, founded by his family, has worked tirelessly to continue his legacy, focusing on social justice, economic empowerment, and education. “George wanted to make a difference,” said his brother Philonise Floyd at a recent remembrance ceremony. “And even though he’s no longer with us, he did. He moved the world.”

Today, gatherings are being held in Minneapolis, Houston, New York, Los Angeles, and dozens of other cities to honor George Floyd’s life. These events are more than memorials; they are a call to keep pushing forward — to not let his death be in vain. Candles are being lit, prayers are being said, names are being read, and stories are being shared. People of all backgrounds are uniting not only in grief, but in determination.

Activists, civil rights leaders, and everyday citizens have taken the opportunity to reflect on the progress made — and the work still ahead. While some police departments have implemented reforms, many advocates say there is still a long journey toward ending police violence, eliminating systemic racism, and ensuring that every person, regardless of race or zip code, is treated with fairness and dignity.

President Joe Biden released a statement this morning, honoring Floyd’s memory and reiterating his administration’s commitment to advancing policing reform:
“George Floyd should be alive today. His life mattered. His legacy lives on in every step we take toward justice and equality.”

As the sun sets on this fifth anniversary, it is clear that George Floyd’s impact will not fade. His death changed the world — and the conversation — forever. For many, he became a symbol. But for his family, he will always be George: the son who called his mother in his final moments, the father whose daughter proudly declared, “Daddy changed the world.”

Today, we remember George Floyd. We honor his life. We acknowledge the pain. And we recommit ourselves to building a future where such tragedies no longer happen — a future where justice truly means justice for all.

Rest in power, George Floyd. Gone, but never forgotten.