Minnesota proclaims May 25 as ‘George Floyd Remembrance Day’ on Memorial Day weekend

In an official proclamation released by the governor, Walz stated “George Floyd’s murder ignited a global movement, accentuating the systemic racism that Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color have endured for centuries,” and that "true justice for George Floyd will come only by upholding high standards of accountability and investing in genuine systemic change."

"On April 20, 2021, a state jury in Minneapolis, Minnesota, found Derek Chauvin guilty of George Floyd’s murder. On May 7, 2022, a federal jury in Saint Paul, Minnesota, convicted all four police officers of violating George Floyd's civil rights; former officers Thomas Lane and J. Alexander Kueng pled guilty of aiding and abetting the murder on May 8, 2022, and October 24, 2022; and on May 1, 2023, a Hennepin County court found former police officer Tou Thao guilty in the murder of George Floyd," the proclamation read. "These historic verdicts created significant momentum towards a more just society where the health, safety, and well-being of every person Minnesota is protected, but our work to dismantle systemic racism and discrimination has not ended."

“We must continue to do everything in our power to deconstruct generations of systemic racism and inequities in our state so that every Minnesotan has the opportunity and resources to thrive,” the proclamation continued.

“George Floyd Remembrance Day is a time to honor him and every person whose life has been cut short due to systems of racism and discrimination.”

May 25 marks the fourth anniversary of Floyd's death. This is the third consecutive year the governor has released such a statement to celebrate Floyd on the anniversary.