Whitmer Statement on Anniversary of George Floyd’s Murder 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 25, 2021

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Governor Whitmer & Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II Statement on the Anniversary of George Floyd’s Murder 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Whitmer and Lt. Governor Gilchrist issued the following statements on the one-year anniversary of the murder of George Floyd.  

STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR WHITMER: 

“A year ago today, George Floyd was murdered. His life mattered. He had a family, children, ambitions, and aspirations. His murder led to a powerful call for racial justice across the globe. Millions spoke out with one voice to say Black Lives Matter. I am proud of every Michigander who demanded justice and spoke out about inequities faced by communities of color. 

“A year later, justice has been served for the murder of George Floyd, but our march is far from over. Despite the essential conversations we have had and the long-overdue reforms that many states and cities have implemented, there is still so much work left to do. I am grateful for the progress we have made and optimistic about what we can do as long as we stay engaged and live up to our shared ideals of equity and justice for communities of color. 

“I am pleased to see that many of the reforms my administration laid out last June have been proposed as part of a bipartisan legislative package in the Michigan State Senate. I look forward to working with the legislature and passing these policing and criminal justice reforms into law. 

“In the words of George Floyd’s daughter, Gianna, ‘Daddy changed the world.’ It is our responsibility, whether we are citizens or public servants, to change our laws and root out systemic racism in every aspect of our society from healthcare, housing, education, policing, and more.” 

STATEMENT FROM LT. GOVERNOR GILCHRIST: 

“Today marks one year since George Floyd’s life was brutally taken. While justice was rightfully served for Mr. Floyd and his family, far too many Black Americans and other people of color continue to suffer as the result of racism and injustice. Last summer, as I reflected on my own experiences with law enforcement since childhood, Governor Whitmer and I took to the streets to demand justice and stand tall for people whose visceral pain and ever-present exhaustion can be all-consuming. We continue to stand with you today. 

“We must honor Mr. Floyd’s legacy with our words and our actions—not acting is not acceptable. That honor comes via changing the standards of law enforcements and the ways we invest in public safety.  

“In June of 2020, Governor Whitmer and I called on the Michigan police departments to strengthen their practices, training, and policies to save lives and keep people safe. The governor and I remain ready and willing to partner with the Michigan Legislature and law enforcement officials to enact laws that will improve policing in our state. While some movement has begun, the changes must be codified into law to deliver the accountability that will result in everyone making it home to their loved ones at the end of the day and after any interaction.”