38th and Chicago
The intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in South Minneapolis is the site of George Floyd's death and has become a gathering place for people to honor and remember him. It is an important space for racial healing and justice among many members of the community and visitors from all over. This public memorial, commonly known as George Floyd Square, pays tribute to George Floyd’s life and has become a powerful symbol for conveying the importance of Black lives in Minneapolis.
Please check the official George Floyd Square Instagram account for up-to-date information before visiting the memorial site.
The area is filled with ways to memorialize the life of George Floyd and other victims of police brutality. Visitors will find several tribute spaces signified by sculptures, murals, and paintings.
Murals
Two murals reside at the memorial site. The most recognizable being a blue and yellow tribute mural created by a group of community artists, Cadex Herrera, Greta McLain, and Xena Goldman. It can be found on the side of the Cup Foods grocery store building. The second mural named, "Icon of a Revolution" depicts a black and white portrait of George Floyd, created by artist Peyton Scott Russell.
Fist Sculpture
Found at the center of the 38th and Chicago intersection, this raised fist sculpture is surrounded by an array of colorful flowers, photos of George Floyd and handmade signs from the community.
Say Their Names Cemetery
Created by Anna Barber and Connor White, this symbolic neighborhood cemetery displays headstones with the names of 100 Black people who lost their lives at the hands of the police. It is located on 37th Street and Park Avenue South.
Map of 38th and Chicago
This interactive map created by Ameen Taahir gives viewers an idea as to how 38th and Chicago was transformed in the months after George Floyd was killed.
MPR's Making George Floyd's Square
In December of 2020, MPR News, along with South High School, created a timeline of events and series of related articles focusing on what 38th and Chicago Avenue had become to the community and the people who helped transform it. These stories provide a better understanding of the history to preserve the memorial site. To access their month-long series of articles, click here.
More Information About 38th and Chicago
Learn more about the businesses in the neighborhood and how the area came to be a living memorial site as well as an important healing space for the community.
