Five years ago, the murder of George Floyd on a Minneapolis street corner changed the world. But in the place where his final breath became a global outcry, a community has continued to rise. This May 23–25, 2025, at George Floyd Square, the fifth annual Rise & Remember Festival will honor Floyd’s life and legacy with a powerful weekend of remembrance, resilience, and righteous celebration.
A sacred gathering, five years strong
The Rise & Remember Festival was born out of heartbreak—but it has never been about grief alone. It is a testament to the power of people to transform pain into purpose. Held annually at the intersection where George Floyd died, this event offers space for healing, education, art, and action. And this year, for the five-year angelversary, the message is crystal clear: The people have spoken.
With programming anchored in community-rooted healing and cultural expression, the 2025 festival lineup features concerts, self-care spaces, gospel celebrations, and a deeply moving candlelight vigil. At the heart of it all is the unwavering pursuit of racial justice.
From Quincy Hall to George Floyd Square: A weekend of purpose
The weekend begins Friday night at Quincy Hall with the Night of Honor, an elegant affair blending formal wear with streetwear flair—sneakers encouraged. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. for cocktail hour, followed by a 5:45 p.m. program recognizing local heroes and community change agents. Hosted by George Floyd’s aunt Angela Harrelson and featuring performances by Hope Flood, DJ Sophia Eris, Maria Isa, Mr. Cheeks, and The East Side Boyz, the event serves as both celebration and call to action.
Later that night, jazz lovers will be treated to a concert by Chris Mitchell, adding a soulful close to the evening’s tributes.
The celebration continues all weekend long at George Floyd Square. Saturday and Sunday will host the Street Festival and Self-Care Fair, with community vendors, healing spaces, and live performances from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. On Saturday evening, a special concert will light up the square, and Sunday morning brings Dee-1’s community-led service followed by a gospel concert and candlelight vigil featuring the iconic Sounds of Blackness.
Art as activism, sneakers as statement
This festival is more than a schedule of events—it is a living expression of the movement. From spoken word to gospel, comedy to jazz, each offering reminds us that joy is a form of resistance and culture is a force for change.
Vendors and artists will showcase the power of Black creativity, while volunteers—including trained medics—will support the safety and spirit of the space. For those looking to get involved, opportunities to serve and support remain open.
The message behind the theme
Each year, the festival has carried a theme that reflects the pulse of the people. From “Ubuntu” in 2023 to “Reset” in 2024, these guiding mantras have helped shape the emotional arc of a community in constant motion.
This year, the phrase comes from Nkosi Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela. When he visited and listened to the stories of George Floyd Square, he said simply, “The people have spoken.” Those four words became the heartbeat of this year’s festival.
“Now is the time for the people to rise up and continue the good work we started,” said Angela Harrelson, Floyd’s aunt and Rise & Remember board co-chair. “We must not let Perry’s death be his last word.”
Still rising
George Floyd’s name is now known around the world. But in Minneapolis, he was Perry—a brother, a friend, a father, a nephew. As this community gathers once more, we do so not just to remember what happened, but to declare that his life mattered. That Black lives matter. That we matter.
The people have spoken. And the people will keep rising.