As the sun rises over Minneapolis on May 23, the city will mark the second annual Day of Remembrance with a series of events calling for justice and reflection. Organized by Win Back, a nonprofit founded by former Minneapolis NAACP president Leslie E. Redmond, the event honors the life and legacy of George Floyd, whose death at the hands of police officer Derek Chauvin on May 25, 2020, sparked global protests against racial injustice.
The Day of Remembrance, held days before the fifth anniversary of Floyd’s death, is part of a broader effort to sustain momentum around racial equity and civil rights. The day begins with an interfaith prayer at 7:15 a.m. in the City Hall Rotunda, inviting leaders from multiple spiritual traditions into a shared moment of reflection and unity.
Later, an invitation-only luncheon at the downtown Hilton Minneapolis will bring together local leaders and activists for a dialogue on advancing systemic change.
At 12:15 p.m., participants will gather at George Floyd Square — located at 38th Street and Chicago Avenue — for a moment of silence. The location, where Floyd was killed, remains a powerful symbol in the movement for justice and reform. Organizers say the observance is intended to honor Floyd’s memory while renewing public commitment to fighting structural inequality.
The day concludes with a free red carpet art exhibit at 4:30 p.m. at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The exhibit will feature work from artists representing marginalized communities, highlighting themes of justice, resilience and unity through creative expression.
Redmond, who was born in 1992 during the aftermath of the Rodney King beating, says the timing of this year’s remembrance is especially significant. “I was born for such a time as this,” she said, drawing parallels between past civil rights struggles and current calls for reform.
Since Floyd’s death, Redmond has been a prominent advocate for police accountability and racial equity. She has also been critical of corporations that issued public statements in support of social justice but have not followed through with sustained action.
“A lot of lofty statements were made by corporations since Floyd was killed. However, their actions have not followed their words or commitment — Target is a prime example,” she said, emphasizing the importance of accountability across sectors.
Drawing inspiration from social movements of the 1960s, 1970s and 1990s, Redmond emphasized the importance of continued pressure for change. “This is the fight of our lifetime,” she said.
The annual observance, Redmond said, is more than a memorial — it is a call to action. “I pride myself on being a historian, and it rings true that if we fail to remember history, we are destined to repeat it.”
Through remembrance, art and advocacy, the Day of Remembrance aims to inspire continued civic engagement and a collective pursuit of justice. Organizers hope the event will serve as both a tribute to the past and a catalyst for a more equitable future.
Al Brown is a Twin Cities-based freelance journalist and contributor to the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder. He welcomes reader responses to alvinb303@gmail.com.