Remembering Darnella Frazier: The Brave Teen Who Recorded George Floyd’s Murder

As the anniversary of George Floyd’s death swiftly approaches, we must remember Darnella Frazier, the young woman who recorded the video that showed the world what happened to him by the hands of crooked Minneapolis police officers.

Frazier, who was just 17 years old back on May 25, 2020, was walking her cousin to the corner store when she witnessed the commotion between ex-Minneapolis officers Tou Thao, Thomas Lane, J. Alexander Kueng, and most notably, Derek Chauvin. She whipped out her phone to record the scene, capturing Chauvin kneeling on Floyd’s neck for nearly ten minutes as he screamed for his mother until he lost consciousness. Floyd died later at the hospital.

The video Frazier captured sparked global protests demanding police accountability and justice for Floyd. The officers involved were eventually charged, convicted, and sentenced to prison. Frazier’s bravery in recording the incident earned her a PEN America award in 2020 and a Pulitzer Prize in 2021.

Despite the accolades, Frazier has kept a low profile, focusing on healing from the trauma of witnessing Floyd’s murder. She recently shared on social media about the ongoing struggle with anxiety and panic attacks triggered by the incident.

Many have praised Frazier for her courage and strength, offering support as she navigates her new normal. While some may call her a hero, Frazier sees herself as a girl trying to heal from a traumatic experience that continues to impact her daily life.

As the world remembers George Floyd, let us also remember Darnella Frazier, the young woman who bravely stood up to injustice and sparked a movement for change.