Equality and justice reaffirmed in George Floyd commemoration.
Milton Keynes residents and dignitaries gathered at the Black Lives Matter pillar, MK Rose, in Campbell Park to share a commitment to equality, justice, and unity.
The event last week commemorated the fifth anniversary of American George Floyd’s tragic death. Hosted by Cllr Nana Ofori-Atta Oguntola and Linked Events Ltd it drew residents, leaders and advocates from across the city to honour George Floyd, whose murder by white police officer Derek Chauvin in Minneapolis, on 25th May 2020 sparked a global outcry against racial injustice and systemic inequality.
Chauvin was later convicted of murder and sentenced to more than 22 years in prison.
The event opened with a poignant minute of silence to honour George Floyd’s memory, followed by statements from dignitaries including MK Mayor James Lancaster; Cllr Mike Kasibo, Chairman of the African Caribbean Arts & Heritage Alliance; John Moffoot, Deputy Chairman of the MK Rose; Cllr Waqas Ahmad, Chairman of the Council of Faiths; Superintendent Emma Baillie, Commander, Thames Valley Police, Milton Keynes; Lisa Lovell, Chair of the Stop & Search Scrutiny Panel, Thames Valley Police; and Cllr Victoria Bamisele, Milton Keynes City Council.
Installed in 2013 as part of the MK Rose’s open-air public artwork, the monument features granite pillars commemorating significant events and milestones – including one dedicated to George Floyd’s memory.
The George Floyd pillar at the MK Rose bears the inscription: ‘No person should put their knee, chain or noose on another’s neck because of their colour’.
Cllr Nana Ofori-Atta Oguntola expressed gratitude to sponsors and supporters who made the event possible, including former mayor Cllr Marie Bradburn, councillors Jane Carr, Kerrie Bradburn, Sam Crooks, Peter Canon, Moriah Priestly, Waqas Ahmad, Jenni Ferrans, Tony Oyakhire, Ulroy Clarke, Victoria Bamisele and Selena Raja.
This commemoration served as a powerful reminder of the importance of sustained action against racial injustice and the ongoing work to build a city and world where no one is left behind.
