The murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, during an arrest in Minneapolis, Minnesota, ignited a wave of protests across the country and internationally, beginning in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul area. Floyd was apprehended by police on suspicion of using a counterfeit bill; during the arrest, Officer Derek Chauvin kneeled on Floyd's neck for an extended period, which was captured on video by bystanders. The graphic footage, showing Floyd pleading for breath while saying, 'I can't breathe,' went viral, prompting immediate public outcry.

In response to Floyd's murder, thousands gathered in the streets of Minneapolis, and demonstrations quickly spread to cities nationwide, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington D.C. The protests called for justice for Floyd, accountability for law enforcement, and an urgent need for police reform. While many protests remained peaceful, some instances of violence and looting were reported, highlighting underlying tensions and frustrations regarding systemic racism and social injustice.

The calls for change emphasized the Black Lives Matter movement and became a catalyst for widespread activism against police brutality and racial inequality. The protests also coincided with the global COVID-19 pandemic, challenging public health protocols yet galvanizing activists to demand change amidst a collective struggle. Internationally, demonstrations arose in solidarity, extending the conversation about racial injustice beyond the United States and prompting discussions on similar issues in other countries.