The 2026 Perry Talks symposium takes place May 25 during the Rise & Remember Festival at George Floyd Square, featuring a keynote from Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta and a panel including MSR CEO Tracey Williams-Dillard on racial justice and First Amendment rights.
George Floyd
Posted inEvents
Rise & Remember Festival Returns May 23-25 to Honor George Floyd’s Legacy
Rise and Remember Festival 2026 returns to George Floyd Square in Minneapolis May 23 to 25 for its sixth annual gathering honoring George Floyd’s legacy with education, healing and community empowerment.
Posted inOn the Radar
Antione Jenkins: Making a mark from sneakers to stadiumsÂ
Native Coon Rapids artist Antione Jenkins discusses his transition from doodling on desks to painting the “Truck Angel” mural and collaborating with the Minnesota Twins and UFC.
Posted inBlack Business Spotlight
South Minneapolis Black-owned thrift store creates space for healing and access
The Thrifty Nifty thrift store Minneapolis location is helping South Minneapolis residents access affordable clothing while building community support near George Floyd Square.
Posted inGeorge Floyd Square
ICE surge rekindles trauma at George Floyd Square
Residents near George Floyd Square say increased ICE activity after Renee Good’s killing has reignited trauma and disrupted community healing.
Posted inLocal & State
Effect of state consent decree on MPD still unknown
At a Nov. 20 panel hosted at The Glass House, Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero, MPD Constitutional Policing Bureau chief GaneishaEff Martin and independent monitor Arlinda Westbrook agreed that it is too early to tell if the state consent decree is transforming MPD culture. The conversation highlighted ongoing concerns about technology, transparency, public input and whether community voices are truly shaping reform, even as federal oversight has been withdrawn.
Posted inLocal & State
Future of George Floyd Square still in doubt
A last ditch effort is underway at Minneapolis City Hall to revive a mixed use redevelopment plan for George Floyd Square. The intersection has been at the center of debate for years as council members, residents and community groups clash over whether the site should become a pedestrian mall or remain fully accessible to transit. With a new report due in early December and the current council’s final meeting approaching, the future of the square hangs in the balance.
Posted inLocal & State
Target’s DE&I pullback leaves Black local suppliers in limbo
Target’s billion-dollar DEI and supplier diversity push helped some Twin Cities Black entrepreneurs secure national shelf space, jobs and new revenue streams. With the retailer now pulling back from those equity commitments, Black-owned businesses and community partners are feeling the ripple effects in hiring, contracts and long-term wealth building, and are left questioning how durable corporate promises to Black communities really are.
Posted inLocal & State
Community Action to Honor George Floyd and Demand Justice
Community members will gather Tuesday, Oct. 14, 5:30 p.m., at the Hennepin County Government Center to honor George Floyd and demand systemic change. The Twin Cities Coalition for Justice is also relaunching its campaign for a Civilian Police Accountability Commission to shift MPD oversight to a community-led body.
Posted inLocal & State
Families demand justice at Stolen Lives March to capitol
The Stolen Lives March St. Paul drew hundreds who marched from the police department to the Capitol, as families of Amir Locke and others called for accountability and policy change.
Posted inGeorge Floyd Square
Minneapolis seeks public input on potential pedestrian mall at George Floyd Square
Minneapolis is seeking community input on whether George Floyd Square should become a pedestrian mall. City staff presented new concepts and will host pop-up events this month.
Posted inEvents
Minnesota Humanities Center steps up with with weeks-long Juneteenth celebration
The Minnesota Humanities Center’s Juneteenth celebration includes four events featuring food historian Dr. Jessica B. Harris, civil rights attorney Sherrilyn Ifill, a new documentary, and a theatrical tribute to Black resilience.
Posted inCommunity Voices
Black men in America are in a state of emergency
As Juneteenth arrives and the memory of George Floyd remains fresh, one Minnesota father calls for renewed focus. The energy of 2020 has faded, but the need for systemic support for Black men and boys remains urgent. It’s time to finish what we started.
Posted inLocal & State
Federal judge dismisses MPD consent decree
A federal judge dismissed the MPD federal consent decree, halting federal oversight of police reforms. Minneapolis officials say they will continue with the full slate of reforms despite the ruling.
Posted inLocal & State
Sen. Smith decries fed’s withdrawal from MPD oversight
Sen. Tina Smith is condemning the Trump administration’s withdrawal from the MPD federal consent decree, which was intended to drive reforms following the DOJ’s investigation into civil rights violations. Smith calls the move a betrayal of justice.
Posted inBlack Business Spotlight
Justice 929
Selwyn Jones, uncle of George Floyd, turns grief into action. Through Justice 929, he pushes for reform, builds tech for safety, and keeps fighting for justice.
Posted inLocal & State
MSR-hosted event honored George Floyd’s legacy
Marking five years since George Floyd’s murder, MSR hosted a moving event with community leaders, artists, and activists reflecting on justice, grief, and what comes next.
Posted inTracey’s Keepin' It Real
MSR Hosts Powerful Panel on 5-Year Anniversary of George Floyd’s Murder
On the fifth anniversary of George Floyd’s murder, the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder hosted a powerful panel at UROC in North Minneapolis, bringing together local leaders, advocates, and families impacted by police violence for an honest and urgent conversation.
Posted inGeorge Floyd
We’re still here, still fighting, still demanding more
Nekima Levy Armstrong reflects on the unfulfilled promises since George Floyd’s death and urges continued community organizing and accountability in the fight for justice.
Posted inGeorge Floyd
The value of coalition work
CUAPB founder Michelle Gross reflects on the murder of George Floyd and how coalition work has sustained the fight for justice and police accountability ever since.