From 2020 to 2025: How the Media Has Rewritten the Narrative Around George Floyd

On May 25, 2020, the heartbreaking death of George Floyd occurred outside a Minneapolis supermarket, igniting a fraught discussion regarding the circumstances. Initially, officials attributed Floyd's passing to a medical incident, but a bystander’s video captured the shocking police brutality involved. This footage ignited one of the most profound protest movements in American history, although media outlets often emphasized disorder and violence over the core message of the demonstrations. As we mark the fifth anniversary of Floyd's death, media frameworks have transitioned from sensationalism toward a more nuanced comprehension of the protests, highlighting community sorrow and a call for systemic reform. Analyzing these historical trends indicates a growth in journalistic practices, underscoring the necessity of context and representation in critical conversations.