Milton Keynes community unites for George Floyd’s 5th anniversary commemoration at the MK Rose

Hosted by Cllr Nana Ofori-Atta Oguntola and Linked Events Ltd (@linkedevents300), the event drew residents, leaders, and advocates from across the city to honour George Floyd, whose murder by white police officer Derek Chauvin in Minneapolis, USA on 25 May 2020 sparked a global outcry against racial injustice and systemic inequality. Chauvin was later convicted of murder and sentenced to over 22 years in prison.

The event opened with a poignant minute of silence to honour George Floyd’s memory, followed by powerful statements from:

• Cllr James Lancaster, Mayor of Milton Keynes
• Cllr Mike Kasibo, Chairman of the African Caribbean Arts & Heritage Alliance, and a poem by his son, Zion Kasibo
• 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 at Thames Valley Police
• Cllr Victoria Bamisele, Milton Keynes City Council

The commemoration was enriched by a heartfelt poem performed by Zion Kasibo and a live saxophone performance by the talented Gideon, uplifting guests and creating a spirit of reflection and solidarity. Attendees were then treated to delicious African savoury snacks, courtesy of Lorette Ofoma of Asa Foods.

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.”

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.

In her closing remarks, Cllr Nana Ofori-Atta Oguntola expressed heartfelt gratitude to sponsors and supporters who made the event possible, including ex-Mayor Cllr Marie Bradburn, and 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.

Hashtags for Sharing:

#WeWillNotForget #NotOnOurWatch #GeorgeFloyd #BlackLivesMatter #MiltonKeynes #Diversity #LoveMK #5thAnniversaryGeorgeFloyd #MiltonKeynesEvents