George Floyd

The city of Minneapolis settles a wrongful death lawsuit with his family for $27 million. His name becomes a global shorthand for the demand that police treat Black lives as lives. "I can't breathe" is painted on streets and printed on protest signs in dozens of languages.

Born in Fayetteville, North Carolina, raised in Houston's Third Ward. Plays tight end on the high school football team and competes in basketball. Friends call him "Big Floyd."

Moves to Minneapolis after serving four years in prison on a plea deal for aggravated robbery. Works as a truck driver and bouncer. Posts anti-violence videos on social media. Mentors young men through his church. Loses both jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Killed by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who kneels on his neck for over nine minutes during an arrest over a suspected counterfeit $20 bill. Bystanders film it. His dying words: "I can't breathe."

Protests erupt in Minneapolis within hours and spread to all 50 states and over 60 countries. The largest civil rights demonstrations in American history. An estimated 15 to 26 million people participate.

Chauvin is found guilty on all three charges: second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter. Sentenced to 22 and a half years. The three other officers at the scene are also convicted of violating Floyd's civil rights.