Impact of George Floyd’s Death on Local Business

Edwin Reed expressed deep emotions while recounting the struggles his Minneapolis business has faced in the five years following the death of George Floyd. He described the period as a “roller coaster,” highlighting the turmoil that has engulfed the community since that tragic event.

Reed, who runs a business at the intersection of 38th and Chicago, witnessed firsthand the chaos that erupted after police officer Derek Chauvin pressed his knee to Floyd’s neck for over nine minutes after Floyd was accused of using a counterfeit $20 bill. This incident not only ignited protests across the nation but led to Chauvin receiving substantial prison sentences for his actions.

Just a month after Floyd’s passing in May 2020, Reed noticed how the neighborhood’s atmosphere had drastically changed, noting, “Every corner had barriers that must have cost between $5,000 and $6,000 each. It really discouraged customers from coming.” He remembered the time vividly, recounting that George Floyd Square transformed into a dangerous area.

“Tens of thousands visited weekly, but everyone was aware that there was no police protection—only gangs roaming around,” he said, describing a sense of fear that permeated the area. Reed adjusted his business hours because he was worried for his clients’ safety.

Tragically, he reported witnessing six shootings in the vicinity, and when he contacted 911 for help, he often felt the response from emergency services was lacking, with operators redirecting him instead of offering assistance.

In response to growing concerns over safety, city officials announced that the Minneapolis Police Department would begin offering around-the-clock services in the area starting August 2023, deploying two officers specifically for community relations.

Reed and other business owners have filed a lawsuit against the city, demanding $49 million in damages and improved police protection. Reed described an incident where he and a customer dove to the floor upon hearing gunfire, only to be given an unhelpful response when he reached out to emergency services.

“They told me the area was a ‘no-go zone,’” Reed explained, detailing how he was asked to collect bullet casings instead of receiving immediate help.

Despite the turmoil, city officials have acknowledged the lawsuit while stating they cannot provide comments on pending cases. They have mentioned efforts aimed at community development and support for local businesses, citing over $5 million invested in the vicinity around George Floyd Square since 2020.

On an individual level, some local business owners like Dwight Alexander highlighted how fear has kept customers away. “People are anxious to come here. Even if the food is exceptional, who wants to visit a place that feels unsafe?” he commented.

Ralph Williams, who runs a barber shop, recalled a moment when he had to drive himself to the hospital after an incident because police did not respond as expected.

Reed conveyed mixed feelings about law enforcement, suggesting that while he doesn’t harbor resentment toward officers generally, the actions of Chauvin have overshadowed public perceptions of law enforcement as a whole. “It’s tough for them to earn respect right now,” he mentioned, drawing attention to administrative failures as a contributing factor to the ongoing challenges.

Through all this, Reed has taken his experiences and expressed them in a book titled “Hush Hush MPLS – Order for Spy,” suggesting systemic failures following Floyd’s death exploited the community’s grief. He hopes the book’s proceeds will aid businesses that suffered due to the violence in the area.