“I can’t breathe. They’re going to kill me.” Those were George Floyd’s last words. The death of the 46-year-old African American who died in Minneapolis after police officers handcuffed and immobilized him, placing his knee on his neck for more than 8 minutes, sparked a wave of outrage worldwide. Thousands of protesters took to the streets in cities across the United States and across the world, demanding the end of police brutality, systemic racism and oppression which has raged for generations in the black community. George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor are the latest names and hashtags in the long list of Black people who have died at the hands of police officers or white vigilantes. Until justice is done, George Floyd’s last words will continue to resonate and stir up anger in the US and all over the world.
Today millions of people are mourning, protesting in the streets, and creating images of hope, anger and empowerment that strengthens the #BlackLivesMatter movement. Art can be a powerful way to demand justice for the people who have died as a result of racism. Here’s some of our favourite artwork inspired by the #BlackLivesMatter movement.
Words by Hélène R. Hidalgo
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