Anniversary of George Floyd’s death - One year on.

It has now been a year since George Floyd was murdered in Minneapolis, America

on May 25 2020. As we did at the time, TREC condemns the actions of the

Minneapolis police and the continuing oppression, and brutality towards Black

people and towards Black communities in America. Floyd’s death was a global

touchpoint for the fight against racism and discrimination. While the Black Lives

Matter movement already existed, his death led to an explosion in the number and

visibility of protests around the world against the excessive use of force by police

against Black people, and against the lack of police accountability. All around the

world, including here in the UK protests, marches and Vigils are being held to

remember Floyd, to celebrate his life and decry his murder.

This is a time to remember Floyd but it is also a time for us to take stock, and look to

the future. While over the last year Black Lives Matter protests have grown in

support and strength around the world, the question must be asked: how much has

actually been done? How much in concrete terms has actually been achieved? While

politicians have said some very solemn words about how Floyd’s death was a

tragedy, and corporations have fallen over themselves to tweet their support for

Black Lives Matter, the truth is institutional racism is still a problem, white supremacy

has not been dismantled, education has not been decolonised, and people of colour

are still being victimized and killed. It will not bring Floyd back but the hard work to

build a better future still needs to be done, uncomfortable truths need to be faced,

and racists need to be held to account. The road towards true equality for all is a

long and difficult one to walk. It is one TREC will continue to walk with our ongoing

work addressing issues with police policies and practices, the over policing of Black

communities, and the disproportionate use of Stop and Search.

RIP George Floyd

14 October 1973 – 25 May 2020