The Take Another Take: Voices from the George Floyd protests
May 24, 2025
Hanif Abdurraqib, a cultural critic and editor at GEN magazine, shares insights on the transformative protests following George Floyd's death. He discusses the unique fervor of these demonstrations and how they connect historical oppression to modern activism. Madiha Nawaz, a graduate student, recounts her unexpected confrontation with police during the unrest. Together, they highlight systemic racism in policing, the irony of protest responses, and the urgent need for social change and awareness around police brutality.
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George Floyd's Murder Sparks Protests
- George Floyd was killed by a police officer kneeling on his neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds in broad daylight.
- This injustice sparked massive protests and calls for change across the U.S. and world.
Black Experience with Police
- Hanif Abdurraqib grew up experiencing police harassment routinely in a Black neighborhood bordering an affluent suburb.
- He sees police contact as a constant burden for Black people, like an oppressive rite of passage.
Media Ignores Root Causes
- Media often focuses on looting during protests rather than the underlying systemic violence.
- Protest violence reflects centuries of oppression and is a response to police escalation tactics.
