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Minneapolis Reconsiders Path to Reform Two Years After George Floyd's Murder

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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, February 24th 2026 at 0:04 GMT by Truthout
      Locales: Minnesota, UNITED STATES

Minneapolis, Minnesota - February 24th, 2026 - Two years after the tumultuous events sparked by the murder of George Floyd, Minneapolis finds itself at a critical juncture. While the initial outcry led to significant, though ultimately stalled, attempts at police reform, local organizers are now focused on the harder work of building a lasting movement for systemic change. The lessons learned from a year of intense protest and subsequent political battles are being actively applied, with a renewed emphasis on inclusivity, long-term planning, and the wellbeing of activists themselves.

The summer of 2020 saw Minneapolis become a global epicenter of demonstrations against police brutality and racial injustice. This momentum translated, briefly, into political action. Voters approved a ballot measure aimed at dismantling the Minneapolis Police Department and replacing it with a new Department of Public Safety. However, the path toward implementation proved rocky. The city's charter commission, in late 2021, effectively rejected the initiative, citing vagueness in its language and concerns about practical implementation. This decision, and the subsequent resistance from established power structures, served as a sobering reminder of the deep-seated challenges to achieving meaningful reform.

Shannon Smith, CEO of Juxtaposition Arts, reflects on this period. "The energy in 2020 was unparalleled. We had an influx of people passionately dedicated to change. But maintaining that fervor is incredibly difficult. People's lives return to normal, other priorities emerge, and the initial shock wears off." This sentiment is echoed by many organizers, who acknowledge that simply mobilizing large numbers for protests isn't enough to achieve lasting transformation.

Miriam Latimer, a local activist and writer, emphasizes the critical need to broaden the base of engagement. "We can't just rely on the already committed," she argues. "True progress requires reaching out to those who have historically been marginalized, those who feel disconnected from the political process, and those who may not even see themselves as 'activists'." This means actively dismantling barriers to participation, creating welcoming spaces, and addressing the specific concerns of different communities within Minneapolis.

This focus on inclusivity extends beyond mere representation. Organizers are increasingly aware of the need to move beyond performative allyship and build genuine, equitable partnerships. This includes centering the voices of those most directly impacted by systemic inequalities and ensuring that their needs are prioritized in policy discussions. Several new community-led initiatives are currently underway, focusing on restorative justice practices and community-based alternatives to traditional policing.

However, the organizers stress that policy changes alone are insufficient. Latimer highlights the importance of addressing the root causes of inequality. "We need to think holistically about how we create a just society. That means investing in education, affordable housing, accessible healthcare, and creating genuine economic opportunities for all residents. It's about building a system that supports everyone, not just a select few."

Recognizing the marathon nature of this work, organizers are also prioritizing self-care and mutual support. Activism is emotionally and physically demanding, and burnout is a significant risk. Smith stresses, "We're doing incredibly important work, but we have to remember to take care of ourselves and each other. Creating spaces for vulnerability, sharing resources, and prioritizing mental wellbeing are essential for long-term sustainability."

In 2026, Minneapolis is experimenting with a variety of new approaches. Community mediation centers are being established to resolve conflicts outside of the traditional legal system. Funding is being directed towards programs that address the social determinants of health, such as food insecurity and housing instability. And a growing network of mutual aid groups is providing direct support to those in need. While challenges remain - and resistance from entrenched interests persists - Minneapolis organizers remain cautiously optimistic. The lessons learned from the past few years have shaped a more strategic, inclusive, and sustainable approach to building a more just and equitable future for the city and potentially, a model for other communities across the nation.