Cyrus Langhorne
Change is ultimately coming following the death of George Floyd and global protests against police brutality. Minneapolis has agreed to ban police chokeholds after fired cops killed Floyd by kneeling on his neck.
Minneapolis x Chokeholds
According to reports, the Minneapolis City Council voted to put an immediate ban on chokeholds. In addition to making it illegal, the council said other officers would be required to get involved if unauthorized force is used.
The City Council held an emergency meeting on Friday and unanimously passed the new rules. The agreement still needs to be approved by a judge. “George Floyd’s service yesterday underscored that justice for George requires more than accountability for the man who killed him — it requires accountability from elected leadership to deep, structural reforms,” Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said in a press release following the vote. (NBC News)
High-Key Details
On Thursday, a huge video game franchise showed its support for Black Lives Matter and the life George Floyd. Powerhouse company Rockstar’s biggest titles temporarily shut down in Floyd’s memory. The statement showed the company’s commitment to supporting Black Lives Matter around the globe and especially in the United States.
Black Lives Matter. To honor the legacy of George Floyd, today, 6/4/20, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET, we will be shutting down access to our online games, Grand Theft Auto Online and Red Dead Online. -Rockstar Games’ Twitter
Wait, There’s More
The shutdown time period coincided with memorial services taking place for Floyd. Various high-profile celebrities showed support and attended the live-streamed event in Minneapolis.
A somber and defiant memorial for George Floyd in Minneapolis gave way to a 10th night of protests on Thursday as thousands of demonstrators again poured into the nation’s streets, crowding outside City Hall in Seattle and marching across the Brooklyn Bridge. The Rev. Al Sharpton, who gave a eulogy for Mr. Floyd, pledged that his death would be a catalyst for change, after video showed a white police officer kneeling on Mr. Floyd’s neck for almost nine minutes as he lay face down and handcuffed on the pavement, saying “I can’t breathe.” The tragedy, Mr. Sharpton said, was also a symbolic message: “Get your knee off our necks.” (New York Times)
Before You Go
A few specific standouts from the service included Kevin Hart, Tiffany Haddish and Martin Luther King III. Rev. Jesse Jackson also played a huge role at the event by praying over Floyd’s casket and Rev. Al Sharpton spoke big words about the George’s family dealing with the death’s aftermath.
“It would be inadequate if you did not regard the life and love and celebration the family wants,” Sharpton said. “But it would also be inadequate … if you acted as though we’re at a funeral that happened under natural circumstances. … The family is not independent of the community,” he said. “The family wants to see something happen.” (Mass Live)
