Our pilgrimage to George Floyd Memorial Square in Minneapolis was unforgettable. As we walked down the street, the powerful visuals of big, colorful murals, memorial portraits, flowers, and candles filled us with awe. The road bore names of Black lives lost to police violence. The place where George Floyd took his last breath is now a living, breathing memorial, a space reclaimed by the community to remember, to say their names, and to envision a more just world. “THIS IS A PLACE OF LOVE,” emblazoned on a wall, spoke volumes about the resilience and unity of this community.
We were warmly welcomed into an art studio by photographer @kingdemetriuspendleton, whose stunning images captured the uprising for Black lives with all its pain, power, and audacious love. His work brought us face to face with the strength of the people here, living in defiant hope.
Later, we spent time with George Floyd’s aunt, Angela Harrelson. Having completed a 5K walk in celebration of George’s birthday that morning, Angela continues to share his story with the world. When asked how she finds the strength to keep going, she explained how love — the love of people everywhere — lifts her. She recalled George’s last words, “I can’t breathe,” with a resilience that embodies revolutionary love. Angela, you are an inspiration to all who seek justice.
Our guide, Georgio Wright of @riseandremember2020, graciously led us on this pilgrimage and thanked us for being “boots on the ground.” Many no longer come by, he said, but his dedication to keeping his brother’s memory and George’s legacy alive remains unwavering. To honor this space, we made offerings — @iamsonnysingh and @qaisessar played #ChardiKala, while @ahnewshah read a poem in tribute to the courage and strength of the #BlackLivesMatter movement.
Our night in Minneapolis concluded with an electrifying gathering dedicated to the shared struggle for Black liberation. We shared ancestral stories from #SageWarrior, remembering our Sikh forebears’ fight for justice and calling upon their wisdom to embolden us in the ongoing quest for equality and freedom.
If you ever visit Minneapolis, make the pilgrimage to George Floyd Memorial Square. Walk with @riseandremember2020, listen to the stories, and witness the community’s courage in the face of oppression. Together, let us stand in solidarity.
Start here with our introduction to the compass. We teach ten core practices of revolutionary love, backed by research and infused with ancestral wisdom. Imagine these practices as points on a compass. Point the compass toward whomever you want to practice loving— another, an opponent, or yourself. Decide what practice you need. You can use this compass as a tool in all arenas in your life.