Today, we solemnly observe George Floyd Remembrance Day, a day that underscores the urgent need for accountability and reform in our policing system. The tragic murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police was not an isolated event, but a stark reminder of the pervasive systemic racism that demands a national reckoning.
George Floyd Remembrance Day is a call to action. We at NOW are steadfast in our fight for federal legislation to ban chokeholds and no-knock warrants, and to challenge the qualified immunity protections that shield law enforcement from accountability.
In 2020, the Democratic House passed the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, a comprehensive bill aimed at addressing these issues and more. However, it stalled in the Senate and has yet to be reconsidered since the change in House leadership.
President Biden, upon taking office, issued an executive order incorporating key elements of the Act into federal law enforcement policy. On last year’s anniversary of George Floyd’s death, he reiterated his commitment to police reform, urging Congress to pass the legislation. “I will continue to do everything in my power to fight for police accountability and urge Congress to pass meaningful police reform and send it to my desk,” he said. “I will sign it.”
In addition, the “Ending Qualified Immunity Act,” sponsored by Rep. Ayanna Pressley and Sen. Edward J. Markey, seeks to abolish the unjust doctrine of qualified immunity. This bill aims to restore individuals’ ability to seek redress when their constitutional rights are violated by state and local officials, including police, ensuring that public officials are held accountable for their actions.
The intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, where George Floyd was killed, has been transformed into the George Floyd Global Memorial. This sacred space, cared for by dedicated volunteers, hosts events like this year’s “Rise and Remember 2024,” themed “As Long As We Have Breath, Reset.” The organizers poignantly remind us that the fight for racial justice is taxing on our minds and bodies, “each day we draw breath is a chance to self-assess and reset, prioritizing our wellness to sustain the vital work of racial justice.”
NOW’s ongoing efforts to dismantle systemic racism and discrimination are crucial and must be intentional. George Floyd’s memory compels us to uphold values of justice and equality, engage in the necessary work, and advocate for the laws that will eliminate racism and inequality. His legacy guides us relentlessly toward a fairer, more just society.