Roses, shoes, and victims' photos recognize police brutality, gun violence at George Floyd Square
Victims of police violence honored at George Floyd Square
A memorial at George Floyd Square honors the victims of police brutality and gun violence. FOX 9's Leon Purvis has the full report.
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Sunday marks five years since the murder of George Floyd.
All day on Saturday, a Street Festival at 38th and Chicago took place in honor of Floyd.
One mom showed up to honor Floyd and other victims.
Walk a Mile in Our Shoes, Shoe Monument
Big picture view:
The memorial shows a photo of George Floyd with a red rose and shoes. It's to recognize victims of police brutality and gun violence. The red rose, for police brutality, the orange for gun violence.
"My son was killed from police brutality a year ago in Florida. Nobody was ever held accountable for it," said Tracey Washington, the founder of Walk a Mile in Our Shoes.
Washington launched Walk a Mile in Our Shoes after her son died in police custody. However, an investigation found the officers’ actions justified. She carries with her a lot of grief and a mission to remember lives lost.
"Most of the shoes that you see on the monuments are actually their shoes that they have walked in," said Washington.
Reflecting on George Floyd, other victims
What they're saying:
"There's way too many pictures and signs and names that we're seeing," said Selwyn Jones, George Floyd’s Uncle.
Jones is in Minneapolis this weekend to honor his nephew. He has been working with Washington and The Walk a Mile in Our Shoes, Shoe Monuments.
"I was in Florida a month ago when these were unveiled, and it literally broke my heart to fight with these women," said Jones.
Jones tells FOX 9 as he reflects on his nephew’s murder five years later, he will continue to fight for those who don’t have a voice anymore.
"Hey, I love you big George. I'm sorry you had to go, but thanks for the impact that you gave us all over the world," said Jones.
What's next:
There will be a memorial service in honor of George Floyd at 38th and Chicago on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.