On May 21, 2025, five years after the murder of George Floyd shook the world, the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder brought the community together for a night of reflection, accountability, and forward-looking dialogue.
Held at the University of Minnesota’s Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center (UROC), the event gathered a panel of influential voices from the Twin Cities to ask: What has changed—and what hasn’t—since the world watched George Floyd take his last breath?
Moderated by MSR CEO and Publisher Tracey Williams-Dillard, the discussion explored the progress, setbacks, and urgent work still ahead in the fight for racial justice and police reform.
Panelists included:
- Medaria Arradondo – Former Minneapolis Police Chief and CEO of Optimus Sui Consulting
- Nekima Levy Armstrong – Civil Rights Attorney, Activist, and Founder of the Racial Justice Network
- Dr. Yohuru Williams – Director, Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas
- Mary Moriarty – Hennepin County Attorney
- Andre Locke – Father of Amir Locke, who was killed by Minneapolis police in 2022
The panel shared personal experiences and professional insights—challenging the audience to reflect not only on George Floyd’s legacy, but on the systems that allowed his murder to happen and persist. Andre Locke’s fireside chat brought the conversation to an emotional peak, as he spoke about his son Amir’s life, death, and the family’s pursuit of justice.
Special performances added depth to the evening:
- Kennedy Pounds, a spoken word artist and founder of Black Poetic Justice, delivered a raw, emotional piece centered on the Black experience and resilience.
- Known MPLS, a youth gospel and urban choir, moved the crowd with purpose-driven music that echoed themes of healing and unity.
The night was a reminder: justice is not a moment—it’s a movement. This conversation continues.
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