For nearly two weeks, cities across the nation have been alive with demonstrations. Thousands have taken to the streets following the tragic death of George Floyd, igniting a global movement. Depending on the source, the narrative shifts—some label it a protest, while others refer to it as a riot.
The terminology we use is significant. It shapes how future generations will understand this moment in history. According to Merriam-Webster, a riot is defined as “a violent disturbance of the peace by a crowd,” while a protest is described as “a solemn declaration of opinion and usually of dissent.”
History has shown us that riots can arise from justifiable outrage against oppressive systems, but labeling the current movement as a riot obscures its true nature: a vast majority of participants are peacefully gathering to oppose a system that has long marginalized Black lives.
Referring to these events as riots diminishes the profound achievements that have emerged from the protests. Just a fortnight into the movement, significant actions have taken place.
For instance, Derek Chauvin’s charges related to Floyd’s death were elevated from third-degree murder to second-degree murder. The other three officers involved were also charged and arrested. Streets leading to the White House now bear the message “Black Lives Matter,” and the D.C. Mayor officially renamed that area Black Lives Plaza. In New York, similar actions were taken, with the phrase emblazoned on a busy thoroughfare in Albany.
In a landmark decision, the New York State Legislature repealed Law 50-A, which kept police disciplinary records concealed for over four decades. Minneapolis, where the protests began, saw its City Council vote to prohibit chokeholds and neck restraints. Furthermore, commitments were made to dismantle the Minneapolis Police Department, which has faced numerous accusations of racial bias.
Minneapolis public schools and the Parks and Recreation Board ended their contracts with the local police, aligning with activists’ calls for reevaluation of police presence in educational settings. Portland schools followed suit shortly thereafter.
Federal investigations into Breonna Taylor’s death were initiated by the FBI, an action that came months after local authorities failed to take responsibility. In Dallas, a new duty-to-intervene policy was established, compelling officers to act against excessive force by colleagues.
Major corporate entities also responded to the outcry. NASCAR announced a ban on Confederate flags at its events, and New Jersey’s Attorney General pledged to update use-of-force guidelines for the first time in two decades. Maryland lawmakers initiated a bipartisan push for substantial police reform.
The Mayor of Los Angeles revealed plans to decrease the LAPD budget, redirecting funding to community initiatives aimed at youth employment. In Boston, bus drivers refused to transport police to protests, a sentiment echoed by drivers in other states, including New York and Minneapolis.
Philadelphia removed a statue of Frank Rizzo, a former mayor and police commissioner known for his racist views. Additionally, several Confederate monuments were dismantled across the South and in England.
A newfound awareness surrounding anti-racism has surged, with books on the subject flying off shelves. Colleges are revoking admissions for students who express racist views online, and companies are actively engaging with the issue rather than issuing vague supportive statements.
Sesame Street hosted a town hall focused on anti-racism for families, and streaming platforms made moves to feature relevant films while providing historical context. Amazon restricted police access to its facial recognition technology, highlighting a shift in corporate responsibility.
The world is finally listening to the long-voiced concerns of activists and acknowledging that Black Lives Matter. The changes, some quantifiable and others not, represent overdue progress, potentially saving lives in the process. This in itself exemplifies the importance of protesting for justice.
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Summary
The protests following George Floyd’s death have led to significant changes in legislation, awareness, and corporate policies, marking a transformative moment in the fight against systemic racism. While some media may label these gatherings as riots, they primarily represent peaceful protests advocating for justice and reform.