**Nation Honors George Floyd on Fifth Anniversary Amidst Backdrop of Changing Reforms**

On the fifth anniversary of George Floyd’s tragic death, Americans nationwide are commemorating his life and the profound impact his murder had on the national discourse surrounding racial injustice and police brutality. Special gatherings are taking place in both Houston, where Floyd grew up, and Minneapolis, where he was killed.

In Houston, Rev. Al Sharpton led an event near Floyd’s gravesite, with local organizations hosting poetry sessions, musical performances, and speeches by local pastors to honor Floyd's memory. Meanwhile, Minneapolis is holding several events including a morning church service, a candlelight vigil, and an evening gospel concert as part of the annual Rise and Remember Festival at George Floyd Square, the intersection renamed to honor Floyd. Angela Harrelson, Floyd’s aunt and co-chair of the Rise and Remember nonprofit, called on people to continue the work started in the wake of his death.

Floyd’s murder at the hands of police officer Derek Chauvin, who stood on his neck for over nine minutes, was captured on a bystander's phone camera in 2020 and sparked global protests. Chauvin is currently serving a 22-year prison sentence following his conviction for murdering the 46-year-old, and other officers were also convicted for failing to intervene.

Rev. Sharpton reflected on the significance of Floyd's death, noting that it forced a necessary confrontation with systemic racism and mobilized millions to protest. While the conviction of Chauvin marked progress, Sharpton emphasized that much work remains to be done.

Under President Joe Biden, the Justice Department initiated civil investigations into several police departments, including those in Minneapolis and Louisville, uncovering systemic police misconduct. Agreements were reached with these departments to implement reforms such as enhanced training, accountability measures, and improved data collection. However, the Trump administration has sought to roll back these reforms, arguing that they are based on flawed data and that the agreements hinder local law enforcement.

In his recent tenure, President Trump has also targeted Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) measures, claiming they interfere with core missions. This has included eliminating DEI policies within the federal government, many of which were driven by the Black Lives Matter protests following Floyd’s death. Critics, including Trump, argue that such programs may be inherently discriminatory.

The rollback of these measures has included the removal of Black Lives Matter Plaza in Washington by Mayor Muriel Bowser, and in Houston, a mural of Floyd was recently demolished as part of a building demolition, according to Houston Public Media.

Despite the initial surge in support for the Black Lives Matter movement and the push for reform in the wake of Floyd’s death, recent surveys indicate a waning commitment to change. A recent Pew Research Center survey revealed that 72% of participants believe there have been no meaningful changes to improve the lives of Black Americans, and support for the Black Lives Matter movement has decreased by 15% since June 2020.

As the nation remembers George Floyd, questions linger about the lasting impact of his death on racial justice and police reform in the United States.