You stand at the intersection of 38th Street East and Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis. A place both heavy with grief and bursting with vibrant life. Welcome to George Floyd Square. You are standing in front of a sculpture built in honor of George Floyd, a Black man tragically murdered by a police officer in 2020. The sculpture stands as a powerful symbol of the fight for racial justice and as a reminder that change is possible. George Floyd Square is a testament to the enduring power of community. It was created by community members following Floyd’s death when they erected barricades at this intersection. The City of Minneapolis honored the community’s devotion by naming the section of Chicago Avenue to the east and west of the square “George Perry Floyd Square.” The square has become a place of remembrance and reflection. It is not just a memorial. It is a gathering place where people from all walks of life can come to learn, connect, and inspire change. Art installations, murals, and creative projects were made by residents and visitors to memorialize Floyd and visualize racial justice themes. People gathered at the square to protest, heal, and remember. It became a vital space for the Black Lives Matter movement and galvanized a worldwide movement calling for racial equality and an end to police brutality. You’ll still see powerful murals on the walls of buildings throughout the square. This street is now a place for community meetings and gatherings. Many who knew Floyd, his family, and friends continue to gather, share stories, and carry on his memory. Today, this square is a monument to a life cut short, but it also embodies the spirit of resilience and hope that Floyd inspired in the world. It has become a powerful symbol of the ongoing struggle for racial justice. As you stand in front of the sculpture, you can’t help but feel a sense of hope. Change is possible because of the community. It is a reminder that we must all work together to build a better and more just world.
Parker Hannifin Hydraulic Pump and Power Systems Division
What if I told you the hydraulic power you use every day, from the machinery in a factory to the