Five Years Later: Honoring the Memory of George Floyd

Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Time: 12:15–1:00 pm
Location: Mayo Memorial Auditorium, 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455

May 25, 2025, marks five years since the murder of George Floyd, a moment that catalyzed a global reckoning on racial justice. To honor his memory and reflect on the ongoing impact of this pivotal event, we propose a University-wide gathering to create space for remembrance, reflection, and community connection.

Join the University community for a gathering to honor the memory of George Floyd and reflect on the lasting impact of his death. The event will include brief remarks and performances from students, staff, and faculty, followed by moments of silence and collective reflection. All are welcome.

This commemoration is a collaborative effort led by the Medical School, the College of Liberal Arts, the Center for Race, Indigeneity, Disability, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (RIDGS), the Office for Equity and Diversity, the Office for Public Engagement, and the Robert J. Jones Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center (UROC).

Program

Welcome & Remarks

Vice President for Equity & Diversity Mercedes Ramírez Fernández, Office for Equity & Diversity, University of Minnesota

Welcome & Remarks

Vice Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Ana Núñez, Medical School, University of Minnesota

Introduction

Dean Laura Molgaard, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota

Musical Performance: Medley of Summer Time, Amazing Grace, and His Eye is on the Sparrow

Rosemary Klass, Veterinary Technician, Veterinary Medical Center, University of Minnesota

Introduction

Vice Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Ana Núñez, Medical School, University of Minnesota

Student Speaker

Dominique Earland, MD/PhD Medical Scientist Training Program and graduate SEED Scholar, University of Minnesota

Introduction

Makeda Zulu, Senior Director for Community Partnerships, Robert J. Jones Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center (UROC), University of Minnesota

Faculty Speaker

Dr. Brooke Cunningham, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Health and General Internist, Sociologist, and Assistant Professor, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota

Introduction

Vice President for Equity & Diversity Mercedes Ramírez Fernández, Office for Equity & Diversity, University of Minnesota

Nine minutes and 29 seconds of silence

Introduction by Dean Keith Mays, School of Dentistry, University of Minnesota

Five Years Later: Honoring the Memory of George Floyd

Office for Equity & Diversity

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