• Americans nationwide honor George Floyd on the fifth anniversary of his death.
• Rev. Al Sharpton draws parallels between Floyd and Emmett Till during memorial services.
• Activists express dismay over the Trump administration's rollback of police reform initiatives.
• Minneapolis events centered on George Floyd Square saw a mix of remembrances and protests.
• National opinion surveys reveal little perceived progress in racial justice since Floyd's murder.

On the fifth anniversary of George Floyd's murder, *thousands* gathered across the United States to honor his memory, with special events held in both Minneapolis and Houston. Family members and community leaders paid tribute at memorial sites, reflecting on the legacy of Floyd's death, which spurred a national reckoning with racism and police brutality in 2020. Rev. Al Sharpton led a gathering in Houston, affirming that Floyd symbolizes those “who are defenseless against people who thought they could put their knee on our neck,” likening him to Emmett Till, a victim of racial violence in 1955. The memorial activities included a candlelight vigil, gospel concerts, and poetry sessions, all aimed at fostering unity and remembrance while promoting continued advocacy for justice, according to BBC, Los Angeles Times, and HuffPost.

In Minneapolis, where Floyd was murdered, events included religious services, a street festival, and community gatherings at George Floyd Square, the site of his killing. Organizers reported ongoing feelings of frustration over the pace of police reform, despite official promises from city leaders. Michelle Gross, president of Communities United Against Police Brutality, shared sentiments echoing widespread concerns: "However, the progress being claimed by the city is not being felt in the streets," highlighting a persistence of community grievances, according to Los Angeles Times and HuffPost.

The ceremony happened against a backdrop of political tension as activists condemned the Trump administration's recent moves to roll back agreements intended to reform law enforcement practices in various cities, including Minneapolis and Louisville. The administration's actions, seen as detrimental to ongoing reform efforts, have been criticized by Sharpton, who stated that such decisions show blatant insensitivity towards Floyd’s family and dependents. "It's tantamount to the Department of Justice and the president spitting on the grave of George Floyd," he expressed, emphasizing the need to keep the movement's momentum alive in advocating for justice, according to BBC, Los Angeles Times, and HuffPost.

As the five-year mark passes since Floyd's tragic death, surveys reveal that many Americans perceive minimal progress in racial justice issues. According to a recent Pew Research Center survey, 72% of participants believe there have been no meaningful changes in the lives of Black Americans since Floyd's death. Furthermore, support for the Black Lives Matter movement has declined significantly since 2020, prompting reflection on the achievements of the activist movements that followed, according to Los Angeles Times and HuffPost.