The intersection of 38th and Chicago in South Minneapolis has changed over the last several months.
After the death of George Floyd last May, thousands of people from around the world came to visit the site, where former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin kneeled on his neck until he stopped breathing and died. The incident sparked a myriad of emotions as people took to the streets, expressing sadness and outrage over Floyd’s death.
Now, the site, dubbed as “George Floyd Square” has languished. There are still flowers, and artwork, and the large sculpture of a raised fist still stands at the center of the intersection, but after the long winter, the site has changed.
Entercom/Susie Jones
On one corner, there’s a gas station that’s been taken over by some people who neighbors say don’t live in the community and have set up a sort of commune, with portable toilets and even a medical tent.
“The people out here are hurting each other,” said Deacon Charley Irons who works at the Worldwide Outreach for Christ Church. “They don’t want to allow cops in the area, and then you know they go and do a big crime, and come back here and think they are safe.”
Entercom/Susie Jones
Last week, Minneapolis city leaders announced that federal authorities would be stepping in to try to curb the violence. A police spokesperson said that there are additional law enforcement officers patrolling the area. Dean Charley would like to see more police, and to see the intersection which has been barricaded since last May, opened up.
The issue now is how to preserve the memorial, and allow for traffic to be allowed in all directions, “It’s powerful,” said Lincoln Gordon, who is visiting from La Crosse, Wisconsin. “I just wanted to see what impacted the entire world.”
Entercom/Susie Jones
The city is working with community leaders to create a long-term plan to advance racial justice and healing, as they work to preserve art, the greenhouse, and other memorabilia. The plan also includes opening up two-way traffic in all directions. City leaders say this will improve business and residential access and provide the opportunity to restore transit service on Chicago and 38th.
