Five years ago, the world was shaken by the death of George Floyd, who died under the knee of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. While not the first Black man to be killed by police, Floyd’s cries of “I can’t breathe,” paired with Chauvin’s indifference, left a lasting mark on the nation’s consciousness.
Floyd’s murder ignited widespread protests across the U.S., the most significant since the civil rights era. Anger and grief surged through communities of all sizes as people demanded justice—not only for Floyd but against the broader issue of police violence. It felt like a moment that could signify the end of endemic racism affecting the Black community for so long.
For a time, I really thought change was on the horizon. Discussions around reducing police budgets and investing in community solutions seemed promising. Businesses made commitments towards racial equity, and even longtime politicians stepped up, joining the call for reform.
However, as is often the case after such victories, a backlash soon followed. It’s happening now, and it’s crucial that we keep pushing for justice.
In the past five years, we’ve seen both progress and aggressive attempts to roll back gains in racial equality. An example can be found in Florida, where Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation dubbed “Stop Woke,” which restricts discussions about systemic racism in schools and workplaces, thereby banning many educational materials.
Initially, companies seemed genuinely interested in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in light of Floyd’s death. But now, some appear eager to shed those responsibilities in favor of political favor, as seen in Project 2025 and various executive orders aimed at dismantling these initiatives.
This resurgence of hatred and discrimination cannot be overlooked. Every step we take toward reform often feels like it’s met with steps backward, reinforcing the racist systems we aim to dismantle. History shows us that after moments of progress, like Reconstruction and the civil rights movement, there are often backslides into oppression.
Despite this pushback, we must remember our victories and understand that fighting for change is essential—it’s a part of the process.
Here in Illinois, we’ve seen tangible actions taken post-George Floyd, while other states have settled for empty gestures. Our legislative black caucus has championed several comprehensive bills to combat systemic racism, including a notable reform to end money bonds, making Illinois the first state to do so. This move was revolutionary, freeing individuals from a system that disproportionately harms Black and minority communities.
Initially, critics warned that this would lead to chaos, but the reality has been quite different. Crime rates have fallen, and those charged with crimes are showing up in court as required. Data has shown that this approach can indeed work to ensure safety and justice.
Ending the inequitable practice of money bonds directly responded to calls for change and exemplifies how civic action can lead to real policy shifts. It highlights that public protests can bring about legislative change.
However, while Illinois took bold steps, many parts of the country have seen police budgets rise again. The pivotal summer of 2020, though, showed us the power of collective action, even amid a pandemic. It was a reminder that countless individuals from diverse backgrounds stand together against a societal status quo that doesn’t align with their values.
The pushback has been significant, but we can be even more resolute. It’s vital to remember that a substantial portion of the country did not support the current administration, and many still advocate for racial progress. I believe we can do more—there’s always room for progress. The journey toward racial justice is long, and at times it may feel bleak, but surrendering to despair is not an option.
As we once again find ourselves at a critical juncture, it’s pivotal that we remain steadfast in our efforts to eradicate the racism that threatens our democracy and resist any forces working against this progress. The future of our nation depends on these efforts.
