How George Floyd Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

A detailed timeline of the impact and legacy of George Floyd across different fields.

George Floyd, an African-American man, died on May 25, 2020, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, after police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for over nine minutes during an arrest for allegedly using a counterfeit bill. Floyd's death sparked widespread global protests against police brutality and racial injustice, particularly against Black people. His last words, "I can't breathe," became a rallying cry for the movement. The event led to increased scrutiny of police practices and renewed calls for systemic change.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

May 25, 2020: Murder of George Floyd

On May 25, 2020, George Floyd was murdered by a white police officer, Derek Chauvin, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, after being suspected of using a counterfeit twenty-dollar bill. Chauvin knelt on Floyd's neck for over nine minutes, causing his death by asphyxiation. His dying words, "I can't breathe", became a rallying cry against police brutality.

June 4, 2020: Memorial Service in Minneapolis

On June 4, 2020, a memorial service for George Floyd took place in Minneapolis, where Al Sharpton delivered the eulogy.

August 2020: Release of "A Pawn in the White Man's Game"

In August 2020, musician John Mellencamp released the song "A Pawn in the White Man's Game", a reworking of Bob Dylan's 1964 song "Only a Pawn in Their Game", which reflected on the racial conflicts in the U.S. that followed in the wake of Floyd's murder. The song's video was eventually removed from YouTube.

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September 18, 2020: Designation of George Perry Floyd Jr. Place

On September 18, 2020, the Minneapolis City Council approved designating a section of Chicago Avenue as George Perry Floyd Jr. Place, with a marker at the intersection where the incident took place. A makeshift memorial had emerged there the day after his murder.

October 6, 2020: Demand for Justice by Amnesty International and NAACP

On October 6, 2020, Amnesty International delivered a letter with one million signatures to the US Attorney General to demand justice for George Floyd. The NAACP also voiced support for the protests.

2020: Social Media Tributes

In 2020, social-media-based artists and activists posted tributes to George Floyd, including a digital illustration by Shirien Damra that gained over 3.4 million likes on Instagram. Other artists creating tributes included Nikkolas Smith, Stormy Nesbit, Dani Coke, Robin Hilkey, and Miriam Mosqueda.

March 12, 2021: Settlement Approved by Minneapolis City Council

On March 12, 2021, the Minneapolis city council approved a $27 million settlement to the Floyd family after a wrongful death lawsuit.

April 2021: Request for Posthumous Pardon

In April 2021, the district attorney of Harris County, Texas, requested a posthumous pardon for George Floyd's 2004 conviction due to Gerald Goines' lack of credibility.

April 20, 2021: Derek Chauvin's Conviction

On April 20, 2021, Derek Chauvin was convicted on two counts of murder and one count of manslaughter for the death of George Floyd.

May 21, 2021: Donation to Fayetteville State University

On May 21, 2021, Bridgett Floyd donated a $25,000 check from the George Floyd Memorial Foundation to Fayetteville State University for scholarships. The city also declared May 25 George Floyd Jr. Day.

June 25, 2021: Derek Chauvin's Sentencing

On June 25, 2021, Derek Chauvin was sentenced to 22 and a half years in prison for the murder of George Floyd. The other three officers at the scene were also later convicted of violating Floyd's civil rights.

October 2021: Recommendation for Posthumous Pardon

In October 2021, the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles recommended that George Floyd be posthumously pardoned for his 2004 conviction.

December 2021: Withdrawal of Pardon Recommendation

In December 2021, the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles withdrew the recommendation for George Floyd's posthumous pardon (and 24 other recommendations), citing "procedural errors and lack of compliance with board rules", but announced that it would reconsider these recommendations.