Updated: April 22, 2021
Originally Published: June 8, 2020
In the wake of the tragic death of George Floyd, a memorial has emerged to honor the lives of Black individuals lost to police violence. Established by University of Pennsylvania alumni, Max Turner and Olivia Greene, this impactful installation, named “Say Their Names,” draws attention to the ongoing issue of systemic racism and police brutality.
On May 25, 2020, 46-year-old George Floyd, an unarmed Black man, was killed by Derek Chauvin, a white police officer in Minneapolis. This incident ignited widespread outrage and protests across the globe, prompting a deeper examination of racial injustice. In response, Turner and Greene traveled to Minnesota to create a visual representation of this critical issue, which has gained renewed attention following Chauvin’s conviction for Floyd’s murder earlier this week.
The memorial features a striking array of white boards shaped like tombstones, each inscribed with the names of 100 Black Americans who have tragically lost their lives to police violence. Each marker is accompanied by the powerful phrase, “Rest in power.” A central sign at the memorial challenges onlookers to reflect on the enormity of the tragedy, asking, “How many have there been? How many more must there be?”
Situated close to the location where Chauvin knelt on Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes, the memorial serves as a poignant reminder of the events that have transpired. Turner and Greene hope the installation speaks for itself, highlighting the urgent need for change.
Visitors to the site have expressed the profound impact of witnessing the memorial firsthand. One attendee, Michael Roberts, shared, “This display is a wake-up call. It’s not just a statistic anymore; these are names and lives that mattered.” He emphasized the need for individuals to ask themselves what they can do to foster change, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status.
Since Floyd’s death, there has been a global movement advocating for justice and reform. Protests erupted in every U.S. state and across 18 other countries, with calls for significant changes to address systemic racism. Following the incident, Chauvin and other officers involved were charged, and the state of Minnesota has initiated substantial policy reforms.
Last summer, a majority of Minneapolis city council members voted to dismantle the police department in favor of a new public safety model. The city is currently under investigation by the Department of Justice for potential patterns of excessive force and racial discrimination.
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In summary, the “Say Their Names” memorial serves as a powerful tribute to Black lives lost due to police violence, reminding us all of the urgent need for justice, reform, and awareness as we confront the ongoing battle against systemic racism.