Poems Honoring the Legacy of George Floyd: A Testimony of Injustice and Hope

The tragic and untimely death of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, sparked a global movement against racial injustice and police brutality. Floyd's death became a catalyst for artists, including poets, to express their outrage, sorrow, and hope in the face of systemic racism. Through their powerful words, poets have managed to capture the pain, resilience, and demands for justice surrounding Floyd's story. In this article, we explore a selection of poignant poems that beautifully pay tribute to George Floyd's life and the ongoing fight for equality.

"I Can't Breathe" by Marcus Amaker

"I can't breathe." These haunting words echoed by George Floyd as his life was senselessly taken away have become a rallying cry for justice. In his poem "I Can't Breathe," Marcus Amaker, the poet laureate of Charleston, South Carolina, channels the anguish and frustration felt by countless individuals who have been oppressed for generations. The poem serves as a reminder of the countless lives lost due to racial inequality and a call to action for change.

I can't breathe,
my black body
is a hashtag
in waiting.

Amaker's evocative lines weave a tapestry of pain and resilience, emphasizing the urgent need for society to confront the systemic racism that continues to suffocate marginalized communities.

"George Floyd" by Amanda Gorman

Amanda Gorman, the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history, offers her poetic talent to honor George Floyd's memory in the aptly titled poem, "George Floyd." Gorman's words serve as a eulogy, a celebration of Floyd's life, and a reminder of the fight for justice that must continue.

For while we grieved, we grew.
For while we hurt, we hoped.
For while we tired, we tried.
For while we failed, we fought.

Through her poetic mastery, Gorman emphasizes the collective resilience and commitment to change that Floyd's death has ignited. Her poem stands as a testament to the power of unity and the potential for progress.

"8:46" by Pat Parker

In the poem "8:46," Pat Parker confronts the time frame that symbolizes the cruelty and violence inflicted upon George Floyd. The poem references the eight minutes and forty-six seconds that a police officer knelt on Floyd's neck, forcibly ending his life. Parker's words delve into the pain and injustice, questioning the system that allows such atrocities to occur.

I am screaming my
mouth open
and the sound
is
drowning the
world.

Through her powerful imagery and raw emotion, Parker emphasizes the urgency of breaking the silence and confronting the pervasive racism that permeates society.

Poetry has long been a vehicle for expressing profound emotions, challenging societal norms, and inspiring change. The poems honoring the legacy of George Floyd are no exception. Through their words, these poets have created a space for reflection, empathy, and action. These poems serve as a testament to the ongoing fight against racial injustice and a reminder that George Floyd's life will not be forgotten. As we continue to educate ourselves, stand in solidarity, and demand justice, these poems will remain a poignant reminder of the work that still lies ahead.