Culture

What Minneapolis Really Looks Like After the George Floyd Uprising

If you’ve only seen the burned police precinct, this is what you’re missing

By Alex Lauer
<p><span style="font-weight: 400">The response to George Floyd’s murder at the hands of the Minneapolis Police Department has been surprisingly heartening and regrettably predictable. His killing sent shockwaves through the country, leading to massive protests. However, the civil rights demonstrations have in some cases boiled over into looting and rioting, and those inclined toward the phrase “All Lives Matter” have latched onto the latter. The one thing the protesters and the denouncers have in common? If they don’t live in the Twin Cities, there’s a good chance they have no idea what the real community response has been. Yes, a police precinct is burned. Yes, rebuilding businesses may cost </span><a href="https://www.startribune.com/twin-cities-rebuilding-begins-with-donations-pressure-on-government/571075592/"><span style="font-weight: 400">$500 million</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400">. But to give outsiders a first-hand view of how city residents are coming together in support of their Black neighbors, photographer </span><a href="http://www.deenstudio.com/"><span style="font-weight: 400">Wale Agboola</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400"> captured the truly astounding patchwork of murals, memorials and street art that has flourished throughout the city.</span></p>

The response to George Floyd’s murder at the hands of the Minneapolis Police Department has been surprisingly heartening and regrettably predictable. His killing sent shockwaves through the country, leading to massive protests. However, the civil rights demonstrations have in some cases boiled over into looting and rioting, and those inclined toward the phrase “All Lives Matter” have latched onto the latter. The one thing the protesters and the denouncers have in common? If they don’t live in the Twin Cities, there’s a good chance they have no idea what the real community response has been. Yes, a police precinct is burned. Yes, rebuilding businesses may cost $500 million. But to give outsiders a first-hand view of how city residents are coming together in support of their Black neighbors, photographer Wale Agboola captured the truly astounding patchwork of murals, memorials and street art that has flourished throughout the city.

The George Floyd memorial, outside the convenience store where he was murdered, grows every day.
The George Floyd memorial, outside the convenience store where he was murdered, grows every day.
Community members protect this flower memorial at the intersection outside of Cup Foods.
Community members protect this flower memorial at the intersection outside of Cup Foods.
Americans continue to flock to George Floyd's memorial, leading some to describe it as <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/06/04/george-floyd-memorial-cup-foods-like-mecca-mourning/3143505001/">"a Mecca."</a>
Americans continue to flock to George Floyd’s memorial, leading some to describe it as “a Mecca.”
Flowers, protest signs, heartfelt cards and other ephemera make up the memorial.
Flowers, protest signs, heartfelt cards and other ephemera make up the memorial.
Art in support of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement spreads from this epicenter.
Art in support of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement spreads from this epicenter.
Last week, gatherers helped hoist up this monumental black-and-white portrait of George Floyd.
Last week, gatherers helped hoist up this monumental black-and-white portrait of George Floyd.
Messages on murals range from "Heal Invest Uplift Our Community" to "Abolish Police."
Messages on murals range from “Heal Invest Uplift Our Community” to “Abolish Police.”
The plywood that covers many businesses throughout the Twin Cities is being repurposed as canvas.
The plywood that covers many businesses throughout the Twin Cities is being repurposed as canvas.
A list of Black victims of police, white supremacist and other violence painted on the street.
A list of Black victims of police, white supremacist and other violence painted on the street.
The art stretched from South to North Minneapolis, a predominantly Black neighborhood.
The art stretched from South to North Minneapolis, a predominantly Black neighborhood.
The North Minneapolis neighborhood has been historically excluded from the rest of the city.
The North Minneapolis neighborhood has been historically excluded from the rest of the city.
Displays of solidarity take the form of old-school graffiti and makeshift cardboard signs.
Displays of solidarity take the form of old-school graffiti and makeshift cardboard signs.
A mural in front of Fifth Element, a rap-only record store, which recently closed after 21 years.
A mural in front of Fifth Element, a rap-only record store, which recently closed after 21 years.
A new brewery down the block from the Minneapolis Police Department's burned Third Precinct.
A new brewery down the block from the Minneapolis Police Department’s burned Third Precinct.
Much of the art centers around police reform, ranging from abolishing to reallocating funds.
Much of the art centers around police reform, ranging from abolishing to reallocating funds.
Multiple tattoo artists in the city have used their skills to honor George Floyd and others.
Multiple tattoo artists in the city have used their skills to honor George Floyd and others.
Walking across the names of George Floyd, Jamar Clark, Sandra Bland, Breonna Taylor and others.
Walking across the names of George Floyd, Jamar Clark, Sandra Bland, Breonna Taylor and others.
Wale Agboola

The response to George Floyd’s murder at the hands of the Minneapolis Police Department has been surprisingly heartening and regrettably predictable. His killing sent shockwaves through the country, leading to massive protests. However, the civil rights demonstrations have in some cases boiled over into looting and rioting, and those inclined toward the phrase “All Lives Matter” have latched onto the latter. The one thing the protesters and the denouncers have in common? If they don’t live in the Twin Cities, there’s a good chance they have no idea what the real community response has been. Yes, a police precinct is burned. Yes, rebuilding businesses may cost $500 million. But to give outsiders a first-hand view of how city residents are coming together in support of their Black neighbors, photographer Wale Agboola captured the truly astounding patchwork of murals, memorials and street art that has flourished throughout the city.

Previous
Next

Meet your guide

Alex Lauer

Alex Lauer

Alex Lauer is the features editor at InsideHook. Since joining the company in 2016, he’s covered a wide range of topics, including cars, the environment, books and business.
More from Alex Lauer »

More Like This

Musicians Jesse Welles, Dave Matthews, Hilary James and Jeremy Messersmith, all of whom have created protest songs speaking out against ICE
This Machine Melts ICE: The Protest Songs Galvanizing Minneapolis, and Now the Entire Country
Fireworks at the Centre Pompidou
Tibetan Fireworks Prompt Parisian Protests
Banksy mural on a wall in Venice
Restoration of Banksy's Venetian Mural Requires Its Removal
The Brother Justus whiskey lineup
Why Brother Justus Is the Most Interesting Whiskey in America

COVERAGE

From literary events and music festivals, to the gallery scene and film screenings, Minh Tran sorts cultural signal from noise every Tuesday and Friday.

More Culture, Right This Way

A collage of satirical tech ads created by comedians Harris Alterman and Dave Ross

I Gained Agency Over Agentic AI in a West 4th St Subway Station

The profile of Norwegian soccer star Erling Haaland with a man bun

Did Erling Haaland Accidentally Inspire a Man-Bun Boom?

Slovak supermodel Adriana Sklenarikova (L) kisses her husband, former French World 1998 champion player Christian Karembeu (R), on a soccer field with fans in the background

An Unexpected Cure for the Dating Crisis

lifestyle image focused on harlequin patterned rug with a couch, chair and coffee table sitting on top

Need an Interior Design Hack? Try These Rugs, Now on Sale.

Explore More Culture