This past Sunday marked the five-year observance of the death of George Floyd, whose murder sparked widespread protests and calls for racial justice.
As communities reflected on the impact of Floyd’s death and the societal responses that followed, it became evident that little has changed in terms of addressing systemic racism and police violence.
The sports world played an influential role in the aftermath of Floyd’s death in May 2020.
Athletes and sports organizations took a stand, advocating for change and highlighting the importance of Black lives amidst a national outcry for justice.
However, as time progressed, the fervor of these movements began to wane.
Floyd’s murder, despite the conviction of former police officer Derek Chauvin, faded into history, and society seemed to revert to pre-2020 attitudes.
Emotionally charged messages of change disappeared from arenas and fields, while athletes and fans returned to a sense of normalcy in sports culture.
The urgency that characterized the cry for justice was replaced by the habitual rhythms of games and competitions.
Meanwhile, concerning statistics revealed a troubling trend: police killings, particularly of Black individuals, rose from just over 1,000 in 2019 to approximately 1,200 in 2024.
The rate at which police officers killed Black people remained disproportionately high, reaffirming the systemic issues that many believed would be addressed following Floyd’s death.
Prosecutions of officers involved in these fatal shootings have not improved, with less than 2% of such cases leading to indictments.
In the wake of these statistics, public outcry resurfaced, yet silence soon followed.
Prominent figures like LeBron James and Colin Kaepernick voiced their frustration and urgency via social media at the time, questioning whether America truly understood the gravity of racial injustices.
Young activists like Coco Gauff echoed sentiments of enduring struggle, reminding audiences that the fight for equality is far from over.
Athletes like Carmelo Anthony took on the role of modern-day activists, while others, like Megan Rapinoe, continued their protests beyond the initial surge of awareness.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell eventually acknowledged the league’s previous shortcomings in recognizing player protests, stating that the NFL believes Black lives matter.
Despite these moments of unity and progress, a recent Pew Research Center study indicates that 72% of U.S. adults believe the increased focus on race and inequality after Floyd’s murder has not led to substantial improvements in the lives of Black Americans.
Moreover, nearly half of those surveyed doubt that Black people will ever achieve equal rights compared to white individuals, a stark increase from 2020.
Dr. Valerie Williams-Goss’s poignant words stress the collective responsibility of all citizens in addressing racism: it is not solely the burden of Black individuals to change systemic attitudes or prevent police violence.
She emphasizes that white society must take a stand and support the Black community in this fight for equality.
Dr. Williams-Goss calls for active participation from all individuals in advocating for change, not just expressions of sympathy or solidarity.
Five years after Floyd’s death, it appears that change has not only stalled but is in some cases regressing.
The sporting community, which was once at the forefront of pushing for racial justice, has fallen silent in the ongoing struggle against systemic racism.
This silence reflects a broader societal tendency to revert to apathy once the initial intensity of social movements subsides.
The urgency that was once palpable has faded, leaving a sense of disillusionment in its wake.
The need for sustainable change must be prioritized moving forward, rather than temporary outcries that lack sustained action.
The term ‘hijacked’ recurs in this narrative because it encapsulates how vital movements can be co-opted or diminished over time.
Accordingly, it is crucial for society to re-engage with the issues of racial inequality and police violence, creating momentum that can lead to systemic changes and lasting impact.
The rallying cry for justice should not dissolve but rather evolve into steadfast commitments towards progress.
America must confront its history and the present reality of racial disparities, recognizing that the fight for equality is a collective responsibility.
image source from：https://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/2025/05/30/the-racial-reckoning-five-years-later-a-few-wins-and-one-major-loss
