George Floyd Square facts for kids
| George Perry Floyd Square 38th and Chicago |
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Street sign, May 25, 2022
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| Former name(s) | George Perry Floyd Jr. Place |
|---|---|
| Part of | Powderhorn community |
| Namesake | George Floyd |
| Type | Commemorative street |
| Owner | City of Minneapolis |
| Length | Two city blocks |
| Addresses | Chicago Avenue |
| Location | Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States |
| Postal code | 55407 |
| Coordinates | 44°56′03″N 93°15′45″W / 44.9343°N 93.2624°W |
| From | East 37th Street (north) |
| Major junctions |
East 38th Street |
| To | East 39th Street (south) |
| Construction | |
| Inauguration | May 25, 2022 |
| Other | |
| Known for |
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| Website | minneapolismn.gov |
George Floyd Square, also known as George Perry Floyd Square, is a special street in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is a two-block section of Chicago Avenue, running from East 37th Street to East 39th Street. This area is named after George Floyd, a Black man who died there on May 25, 2020, after an encounter with Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. The main part of the square is at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue.
After George Floyd's death, many people felt angry and sad. This led to very large protests across the United States. These protests were about important issues like unfair treatment of people because of their race and when police use too much force. People who wanted fairness and justice set up barriers at the 38th and Chicago intersection. They closed it to cars for over a year. During this time, artists and protesters created many artworks, sculptures, and other displays. These pieces honored George Floyd and shared messages about racial justice.
In 2022, the City of Minneapolis officially named the street "George Perry Floyd Square." There are also plans to build a lasting memorial for George Floyd at this important site.
Contents
History of George Floyd Square
The Protest Zone
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Soon after George Floyd died, people started leaving flowers and other items near the Cup Foods store. This area quickly became a protest site, known as George Floyd Square. Protesters put up barriers to stop cars and filled the space with art. This art honored George Floyd and shared messages about racial justice.
The protest continued for over a year. On June 20, 2021, the city reopened the intersection to cars. However, the spirit of the protest and memorial continued into 2022.
Official Street Naming
In September 2020, the city first named the two-block section of Chicago Avenue "George Perry Floyd Jr. Place." This section goes from East 37th Street to East 39th Street. The city later renamed it "George Perry Floyd Square." An official ceremony took place on May 25, 2022. This was exactly two years after George Floyd's death.
Planning a Permanent Memorial
In late 2020, Minneapolis officials named the wider East 38th Street area as one of the city's cultural districts. As part of this plan, they wanted to keep the public art that appeared at the 38th and Chicago intersection. In 2021, the City of Minneapolis said it would work with the local community. Their goal was to create a lasting memorial at the intersection. In 2022, the city began a process to "re-imagine" the streets of 38th Street East and Chicago Avenue. This plan includes adding permanent memorials for George Floyd and making improvements for transportation.
George Floyd Global Memorial Organization
The George Floyd Global Memorial is a special organization in Minneapolis. It has an office on Chicago Avenue. This group helps take care of the art displays that protesters created at George Floyd Square.
Their main job is to find, collect, and save all the public art and about 5,000 items left by visitors at the square.
Other Important Places Nearby
Chicago Avenue Fine Arts Center
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This arts center started in 2007. Local residents created it to make art more fair and available to everyone. By 2020, the center was helping 800 artists each year.
Cup Foods
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On May 25, 2020, an employee at Cup Foods called 9-1-1. This call led to the encounter between George Floyd and the Minneapolis police. The employee reported that Floyd had used a suspected fake $20 bill. Derek Chauvin and three other police officers arrived. They arrested George Floyd, and during the arrest, he died. Many people nearby tried to help, but they were not successful. Cup Foods closed for a short time during the protests in mid-2020. It reopened in August 2020.
Visitors to the Square
George Floyd Square has welcomed thousands of visitors from all over the world. The people who care for the memorial see it as more than just a place for tourists. They see it as a place for people to think deeply about racism and unfairness. The site is often compared to other important places where sad historical events happened. Examples include the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., and the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. Martin Luther King Jr. was killed at the Lorraine Motel.
