MINNEAPOLIS — Paris Stevens, George Floyd's cousin, lets us look inside her what her world has been this past year.

Needless to say, it has been incredibly difficult for her and her family, but she's also taken it upon herself to make sure her cousin's memory lives on for years to come whether through celebration or creating concrete change.

“We’ll never forget what happened,” said Stevens. "It’s been overwhelming. This whole year has been a whirlwind.”

What You Need To Know

  • Tuesday marked one year since George Floyd was killed by police in Minneapolis

  • There were multiple memorial celebrations in Minneapolis, including at the location where Floyd died

  • Paris Stevens, Floyd’s cousin, said it’s been a tough year, but she’s hopeful that ‘change has come,’ but said there is a lot of work left to be done

She’s also the co-chair of the George Floyd Global Memorial. It’s the organization that put together an event called “Rise and Remember.”

It was a celebration at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis where George Floyd was killed a year ago. 

“This today is about a celebration of life,” Stevens said. "We want to celebrate those that have lost their lives, but we also want to celebrate each other."

From live music performances and speeches, to a candle light vigil to end the night, hundreds of people made their way to George Floyd Square to do just that. 

“It’s been amazing,” Stevens said. "We’ve had the support of the whole world, but this community has always been here. It’s always kept this place sacred and fighting for the streets.”

Stevens said a lot of work still has to be done. 

“We’ve been here for over 400 years. Things aren’t going to change overnight. It’s not,” Stevens said. "But as long as you have a heartbeat, change can happen.”

A big part of that work is urging U.S. Senators to “walk the walk," she said. 

“First of all, we have to pass that police reform act,” Stevens said, referencing the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. It passed the U.S. House of Representatives in March, but has since stalled in the Senate. 

But, she said the past year has shown her it’s possible, even though it’s been tough. 

"We know that change has come, and it gives us hope,” Stevens said. "It’s hope for the community. It’s hope for all.”