‘A year on from George Floyd’s senseless killing it seems little has changed...’
A year on from George Floyd’s senseless killing it seems little has changed
A YEAR ago today, just days after George Floyd was murdered, I stood in Minneapolis as anger raged around me.
Hours earlier, the now-infamous video had emerged of the 46-year-old black man dying under killer cop Derek Chauvin’s knee. It sparked violent protests in the Minnesota city, seeing large parts of it set ablaze as decades of racial injustice boiled over.
So shocking was the footage of Floyd’s final moments, the ramifications of his death spread across the world, including to Britain.
This week, I returned to the spot where the murder took place, joining the thousands paying their respects and also speaking with those who witnessed the father-of-five’s final moments.
But as I spoke to people like Charles McMillian, a bystander at the fatal arrest, and teenager Kaylynn Gilbert, whose video of the killing and evidence in court helped to convict Chauv vin, it was clear the fears they had t then are as real today.
For not only does America find itself at an existential crossroads, the UK does too, over the battle to ensure racial equality for all.
For a brief moment, one many hoped would be revolutionary, change seemed not just possible but inevitable. Black Lives Matter supporters created an image of communities coming together that would reach and surpass the political achievements of the civil rights movement of the Sixties.
Watching the marches here and in the UK, in the days and weeks after the murder, people were buoyed with hope that change was afoot. But 12 months on, it seems little has changed. Only on Tuesday, the first anniversary of Floyd’s murder, Britain’s youngest MP announced she was taking “several weeks” off work after being diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.
The decision by Labour’s Nadia Whittome, 24, who represents Nottingham East, came just weeks after complaining of death threats, racist abuse and incessant trolling online. It’s difficult to see how such hatred has not played a part in her decision, and that should be of concern to us all.
Despite the promises that followed his death, bigotry is as rife now as it was before we knew George Floyd’s name. Sure, the issue of racism was raised in the consciousness of both nations after his senseless murder, but it has now devolved into a politicised shouting match over whether America and Britain are racist countries or not.
The caught-on-camera murder of Floyd by a white police officer shone an unprecedented light on a history of violence and oppression against black people. His death brought protesters of all colours together, triggering a global movement.
Exactly how much has altered a year on is debatable. Understanding the bigotry and discrimination suffered by ethnic minorities should be a catalyst for change.
Sadly, there are signs Floyd’s death, and countless others like his, may all have been in vain, if we do not continue to bring about the changes that are needed.