Five years after George Floyd’s tragic murder sparked global protests against police brutality and systemic racism, efforts to reform policing in the U.S. remain largely gridlocked. Floyd, an unarmed Black man, died in 2020 after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for over eight minutes—a moment captured on video and shared worldwide, igniting a historic wave of activism.
While Floyd’s death led to pledges for change, including proposed legislation like the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, progress has stalled. Activists say systemic issues persist, with many states rolling back initial reforms. 'The momentum faded, but the pain didn’t,' said civil rights advocate Jamal Carter. 'We’re still fighting for accountability.'
Recent data shows police-related fatalities in the U.S. have not significantly declined since 2020, and high-profile incidents—like the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols in 2023—continue to fuel public outrage. Meanwhile, debates over funding, training, and racial bias divide lawmakers. As protests reignite in some cities, young advocates urge renewed focus on grassroots organizing. 'This isn’t just about policy—it’s about humanity,' added Carter.
