New Jersey
George Floyd honored with statue in Newark, N.J.
Newark, New Jersey has honored George Floyd with a statue.
Newark, NJ has come together to unveil a George Floyd statue.
George Floyd statue
The 700-pound George Floyd statute was unveiled on Wednesday June 16 and sits outside of city hall.
“Hopefully it inspires those who walk by to be more active, take part in activism,” said Mayor Ras Baraka.
The statue was commissioned by actor and filmmaker Leon Pickney and it was sculpted by artist Stanley Watts.
The artwork was donated to the city and will be on display for at least a year in collaboration with the Division of Arts and Cultural Affairs.
The artwork, according to organizers, is meant to celebrate Floyd’s life.
Life taken
George Floyd, a Black man, died on May 25, 2020, after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly 10 minutes.
His death reignited conversation over policing in Black communities and sparked nationwide protests calling for social and criminal justice reforms.
The police officer, Derek Chauvin, was fired and later convicted by a jury of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.
He is awaiting sentencing.
“Mr. Floyd’s death elevated the Black Lives Matter movement, which has resulted in an international response, including protests, police reform measures, and the removal of Confederate statues from public parks and racist names from organizations,” organizers said in a news release ahead of the statue’s unveiling.
Discover more from Unheard Voices Magazine
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
-
Culture2 weeks ago
Brooklyn community rallies behind beloved shoe shiner Byron Neal known as “The Light on the Corner”
-
Black And Missing2 weeks ago
Search continues for missing 10-year-old Arkansas girl swept away in Florida waters
-
Social Justice1 week ago
Family of Jabari Peoples demands answers after fatal police ehooting in Alabama
-
Beauty & Fashion2 weeks ago
Young mother dies after cosmetic surgery complications
-
News6 days ago
Marilyn Mosby completes home detention, begins new chapter after federal convictions
-
Crime & Justice6 days ago
14-year-old was shot by best friend since 3rd grade while playing with gun
-
Health & Wellness4 days ago
Teen misses graduation while awaiting heart transplant—hospital hosts emotional ceremony
-
News4 days ago
Louisville teen 13-year-old Derrick Saunders Jr. drowns in Ohio River