George Floyd's death in police custody on May 25, 2020, sparked nationwide protests against racial injustice and police brutality. The incident, where an officer knelt on Floyd's neck for 8 minutes and 53 seconds despite pleas from bystanders, became a catalyst for examining systemic racism in America.

Research shows significant racial disparities in police use of force. According to the Proceedings of the National Academies of Sciences, Black men face a 1 in 1,000 lifetime risk of being killed by police, compared to significantly lower rates for other demographics. For young men of color, police use of force ranks among the leading causes of death.

These statistics reflect deeper historical inequities rooted in slavery, Jim Crow laws, and ongoing systemic discrimination. While civil rights movements have made progress, many minorities still face disproportionate barriers to education, economic opportunity, and equal treatment under the law.

However, violent protests often undermine legitimate grievances. Destruction of property and looting harm innocent community members, including minority-owned businesses, creating new cycles of injustice without addressing root causes.

Effective protest strategies include:

• Peaceful demonstration
• Community organizing
• Advocacy for policy reform
• Individual commitment to treating all people with respect
• Working to address systemic inequities through legal channels
• Supporting organizations dedicated to positive change

The path forward requires acknowledging both historical injustices and the need for constructive solutions that bring communities together rather than divide them further. Real change comes through sustained peaceful activism combined with systematic reform of institutions that perpetuate inequality.

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