by From Grief to Hope: George Floyd Square Fills with Music, Unity, and Joy — Wyoming Voices Reflect on a Nation’s Journey
MINNEAPOLIS — Five years after the tragic murder of George Floyd shook Minneapolis and reverberated across the nation, George Floyd Square was filled not with silence or protest, but with joy, music, and reflection as the community gathered Saturday for the annual Rise and Remember Festival.
The square—once a powerful symbol of pain and justice-seeking—was transformed into a vibrant space of healing and hope. Locals, activists, and public figures gathered not only to honor Floyd’s life, but to reflect on how far the nation has come and how much further it must go.
Among the voices in the crowd was Tee McClenty, a mother of three Black sons, who shared her powerful emotions: “I’m feeling hopeful. This is very special to me. That Minneapolis, Minnesota—where the murder of George Floyd happened—we won’t forget.”
The festival was not just about remembrance—it was a living testament to resilience. Brooklyn Center Mayor April Graves addressed the crowd, emphasizing that despite setbacks, the community’s unity and love remain unshaken.
“I really do think that love is much stronger than hate,” Graves said. “Even with federal shifts and whispers of rollbacks, we won’t let them break us. We are still standing.”
Former NBA star Antonio Davis, now CEO of the National Basketball Retired Players Association, spoke candidly about his emotional journey following Floyd’s death.
“As a Black man, I was crushed. I didn’t know how to respond—I wanted to scream. But instead, I’m showing up here with joy,” Davis said.
Alberder Gillespie, representing Mothers of Professional Basketball Players, underscored the day’s deeper meaning: “We are determined to move forward. We won’t let the pain be the last word—joy will be.”
While the path to healing remains long and complex, communities across the U.S.—including many in Wyoming who joined in remembrance from afar—stand in solidarity, walking this journey hand in hand, fueled by hope, healing, and an unshakable commitment to justice.
