George Floyd Protest Collection

Collection

Identifier: WH2454

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Protesters made signs for the series of marches and gatherings that took place in Denver in the aftermath of the George Floyd murder. People left signs in the park and along the street. Denver Public Library employee Candy Markle collected some of the discarded signs one morning after a protest, assembling the posters for the library's collection. The signs reflect the breadth of social, racial and gender inequities that protesters were angry about during this period of civil unrest in Denver.

Dates

June 2020

Language of Materials

English

Language of Materials

English, Spanish

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research.

copyright

All requests for permission to publish, reproduce, or quote from material in the collection should be discussed with the appropriate librarian or archivist. Permission for publication may be given on behalf of the Denver Public Library as the owner of the physical item. It is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which also must be obtained by the customer. The Library does not assume any responsibility for infringement of copyright or publication rights of the manuscript held by the writer, heirs, donors, or executors. Reproduction restrictions are decided on a case-by-case basis.

Biographical / Historical

On May 25, 2020, George Floyd was killed in Minneapolis, Minnesota by police officers while being detained for making a purchase with a suspected counterfeit bill. Floyd was asphyxiated by officer Derek Chauvin who pinned his knee to Floyd's neck against the pavement despite Floyd's pleas that he couldn't breathe. Floyd's murder was recorded on video by a bystander, and the public outcry that followed resulted in nationwide and even international protests against racial injustice and police brutality aimed especially at Black people. Protests began on May 28th in Denver when protesters blocked traffic on I-25 for hours. Then daily and nightly protests took place around the State Capitol building in Denver. In late May a faction of the participants turned violent and windows were broken and buildings and property damaged at and around the Capitol building.

Extent

3 oversize boxes

2 oversize folders

Additional Description

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift; Candy Markle; 2020.

Physical Description

Most of the posters were hasitily constructed of available poster board, tape and cardboard materials. Some items were damaged by foot prints and mud. Some posters were torn and paper; a few have been mended with heat set tissue by library staff.