On May 25, 2020, George Floyd was killed by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who pressed his knee into Floyd’s neck for nine minutes and 29 seconds. It was caught on video and a wave of Black Lives Matter actions followed across the country, including in Pittsburgh. Chauvin was found guilty on second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter charges in April of this year.
On Tue., May 25, 2021, on the anniversary of his death, about 50 Pittsburghers gathered in Westinghouse Park near the border of Point Breeze and Homewood neighborhoods to honor Floyd, as well as Jerome Smith, Michelle Rankin, and others harmed by police violence.
The event included speeches by local activists, discussions about police reform, and food was served to community members. It was capped off by a candlelight vigil.
This article appears in May 19-25, 2021.
