Minneapolis

The Architecture of Grief and Power: Inside George Floyd Square

0.6 km62 min6 stops

What awaits you on this Red Thread tour

Step beyond the headlines and into the heart of a modern uprising. This immersive audio journey takes you through George Floyd Square, exploring the profound duality of a space that is simultaneously a site of deep national trauma and a vibrant, community-sustained autonomous zone. Guided by an expert in political movements and a passionate local historian, you will uncover the hidden stories of mutual aid, radical art, and spiritual resilience that transformed a tragic intersection into a global symbol of resistance. This is not just a tour about what was lost, but a profound look at what a community chose to build in the aftermath.

Itinerary

1

TOUR START

Say Their Names Cemetery

A symbolic green space featuring over 100 handmade headstones honoring Black lives lost to police violence.

Say Their Names Cemetery

Image by Chad Davis on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

0.29 km • 4 min
2

STOP 2

The Peoples' Way

A reclaimed gas station that served as the central hub for mutual aid and community care during the occupation.

The Peoples' Way

Image by Paul Sableman on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

0.12 km • 2 min
3

STOP 3

Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center

A local arts organization that became a forge of resistance, creating metal barricades and protest art.

0.03 km • 0 min
4

STOP 4

Cup Foods

The convenience store where the 911 call was made, acting as the catalyst for the tragedy and highlighting systemic policing issues.

Cup Foods

Image by Fibonacci Blue on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

0.08 km • 1 min
5

STOP 5

Worldwide Outreach for Christ

A church whose exterior walls became a canvas for iconic murals and lists of demands, representing spiritual resilience.

0.06 km • 1 min
6

END

The Raised Fist Sculpture

The symbolic and spiritual heart of the square, standing in the exact center of the intersection.

The Raised Fist Sculpture

Image by Tony Webster on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

Where the tour takes place

Starting point and rough tour area – the exact route unfolds in the app.

Good to know

  • Ideal for Activists, history buffs, sociologists, artists, and anyone seeking a deeper, nuanced understanding of community resilience and systemic change.
  • Best time Daytime, particularly late morning or early afternoon, to fully appreciate the visual art and experience the space respectfully while the community is active.
  • Respect the space This is a living memorial and a site of active mourning. Maintain a respectful volume and demeanor.
  • Photography rules Take photos of the art, but avoid photographing community members or mourners without explicit permission.
  • Weather prep The tour is entirely outdoors. Dress in layers and wear comfortable walking shoes.
  • Support local Consider bringing a few dollars to support local vendors or leave a donation at community mutual aid spots.
  • Emotional readiness The subject matter is heavy. Take your time, and pause the audio if you need a moment to process.
  • Your voucher You can redeem your voucher for two years from purchase. Once redeemed, you have 14 days of access and can enjoy the tour as often as you like during that time.

Your guide

Ian MacLeod
Audio sample
0:000:00

Ian MacLeod

  • Power, Protest & Civic Spaces
  • Scotland

Connoisseur of political movements. Traces the routes of protests and explains the power of public spaces.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to the tour after buying?

You see your voucher code right after payment – and you also receive it at the email address you entered at checkout. Redeem that code in the Red Thread app; that's where the tour starts.

When does my access start?

Only when you redeem the code in the app, not at purchase. From redemption you have 14 days of access to the tour.

Do I need the Red Thread app?

Yes. The free Red Thread app turns your tour into a vivid experience: with audio, a map, and thoughtful prompts, it guides you from place to place in an engaging and entertaining way. It's available free for iOS and Android.

Now only €3.99 incl. VAT