George Floyd memorial in San Francisco: Inspiring creativity, activism and love
SAN FRANCISCO, California (May 25, 2021) – San Francisco Bay Area artists and community members gathered today in the Fillmore District at the site of the three-block-long Black Lives Matter street mural to remember the life of George Floyd and call for vigilance over the treatment of African Americans and other People of Color across the country.
“Our hearts are with George Floyd’s family and loved ones as we remember his life and honor the movement his passing sparked all over the world,” said Melonie J. Green, co-executive director of the African American Art and Culture Complex (AAACC). “We have the honor and privilege of activism and are proud to join cities around the country in repainting the Black Lives Matter mural. The BLM mural stands on the shoulders of the inspiration and passion long lived in the Fillmore community via the Black Panther Party and countless other civil rights leaders. We paint with our community, countless artists, and community partners to share Resistance, Love and Memorial.”
In conjunction with the Philonise and Keeta Floyd Institute for Social Change as part of the national commemoration of the life of George Floyd today, the event in San Francisco’s Fillmore District was hosted by AAACC and the Bay Area Mural Program. The mural that was first painted June 2020 was refreshed by artists and community members who also visited AAACC’s outdoor arts gallery.
A year ago today, George Floyd, a 46-year-old African American man, was murdered in Minneapolis after a police officer pressed and held his knee on his throat until he could not breathe. The incident sparked worldwide protests against police brutality and systemic injustices against Black people.
“On behalf of the Philonise and Keeta Floyd Institute for Social Change, we are so excited to partner with theAAACC for this amazing event marking one year since the passing of our brother George Floyd,” said Carolyn Wysinger, board member of the institute. “Repainting the BLM mural represents our continued commitment to interrupting the systems that took George’s life from us including the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. Thank you to the AAACC and the community members who will be renewing this commitment with us.”
Cheri Miller, AAACC events and membership manager, said, “Our work is to ensure every generation to come has the ability to live a life we love, without fear and intimidation through white dominance. We deserve to feel safe.”
Andre Jones, executive director of the Bay Area Mural Program, said, ”The past year has had so many ups and downs that I hope that repainting of the BLM street mural can serve as a strong and lasting message of equality and solidarity!”
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