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4mo ago

Five Years After George Floyd's Murder, Activists Shift Focus to Long-Term Change

As federal reforms stall and public support wanes, civil rights groups prioritize community resilience and economic empowerment to sustain racial justice efforts.

Montgomery, Alabama's mural was painted in 2020 at a place people once were sold into slavery.
Mandatory Credit: Photo by CARLOS VILAS DELGADO/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock (10671086c) 'Black Lives Matter' is painted on the pavement of 16th Street near the White House, the location of seven days of protests in DC over the death of George Floyd, who died in police custody, in Washington, DC, USA, 05 June 2020. DC Mayor Muriel Bowser later renamed that section of 16th Street, 'Black Lives Matter Plaza.' Police abuse protest in wake of George Floyd death in Minneapolis, Washington, USA - 05 Jun 2020
A demonstrator runs away from a burning car May 30, 2020, one block from the White House.
Children play on August 3, 2020, at a Black Lives Matter mural near the site of the Tulsa Race Massacre in Oklahoma.

Overview

  • George Floyd's murder on May 25, 2020, catalyzed one of the largest protest movements in U.S. history, exposing police brutality and systemic racism.
  • Initial media coverage focused on protest violence, but five years later, narratives have shifted to reflect on the demands and legacy of the movement.
  • Federal legislative efforts, such as the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, remain stalled, while the Trump administration has dismantled oversight and DEI initiatives.
  • Public support for the Black Lives Matter movement has declined to 52%, highlighting growing backlash and fatigue around racial justice issues.
  • Civil rights organizations, including the NAACP and Urban League, are now investing in grassroots organizing, political infrastructure, and economic resilience to drive lasting change.