“I can’t breathe” were George Floyd’s last words as police officer Derek Chauvin held his knee against Floyd’s neck, suffocating him to death over an alleged counterfeit $20 bill on May 25 in Minneapolis. To watch a black man’s life end over $20, while incredibly unjust, is not surprising in America. 

The deaths of Trayvon Martin, Tamir Rice, Philando Castile, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd and more are all a result of the systemic racism ingrained in American society. The American system favors white people and discriminates against blacks — still, in 2020, nearly six decades after the Civil Rights Movement. The protests arising nationwide over George Floyd’s death represent more than just his life, but the lives of all black people and the need to abolish the police and systemic racism in America.

While most of the protests remain peaceful, there have been reports of looting and rioting in major cities including New York City, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. As a result of these violent acts, many counties have implemented curfews to keep civilians safe and looters from causing more damage.

Property can always be rebuilt, but lives can’t. Staffers of the Tribune will be posting daily updates below notifying you about the progress of the fight for equality and justice in America. All lives cannot matter until black lives matter.