{The teenager} who recorded the notorious video exhibiting George Floyd’s homicide by the hands of Minneapolis police was awarded a 2021 Pulitzer Prize Particular Quotation on Friday.
Darnella Frazier received the quotation “for courageously recording the homicide of George Floyd, a video that spurred protests in opposition to police brutality all over the world, highlighting the essential position of residents in journalists’ quest for reality and justice,” in line with the Pulitzer Prize Board.
Former police officer Derek Chauvin was discovered responsible in April on all counts in Floyd’s homicide on Might 25, 2020, outdoors a Cup Meals retailer in Minneapolis. Frazier’s video was a key piece of proof within the trial from opening statements by means of closing arguments.
Frazier, then 17 years outdated, was visiting the shop that Memorial Day together with her 9-year-old cousin when she noticed Chauvin and a number of other different officers restraining Floyd on the bottom. She recorded the incident on her mobile phone as she and different bystanders pleaded with them to get off Floyd, who repeatedly stated he could not breathe.
Darnella Frazier:Teen who recorded George Floyd’s homicide displays on his loss of life a 12 months later
Frazier’s video of the incident went viral, drawing consideration to Floyd’s loss of life and in the end propelling 1000’s of protests in opposition to police brutality throughout the U.S. and overseas.
“It’s a bit simpler now, however I’m not who I was. Part of my childhood was taken from me,” Frazier wrote in a press release posted to her Fb web page final month, on the anniversary of Floyd’s homicide.
“Lots of people name me a hero despite the fact that I don’t see myself as one,” she wrote. “I used to be simply in the correct place on the proper time. Behind this smile, behind these awards, behind the publicity, I’m a woman making an attempt to heal from one thing I’m reminded of every single day.”
In December, Frazier was awarded the 2020 PEN/Berenson Braveness Award from Oscar-winning director Spike Lee. PEN America, the literary and human rights group, honored Frazier together with different activists, artists and former president Barack Obama.
Frazier testified at Chauvin’s trial in March. She cried on the witness stand as she advised prosecutor Jerry Blackwell that when she checked out Floyd, she noticed her Black relations and buddies. “That might’ve been one in every of them.”
‘It wasn’t proper’:{The teenager} who recorded George Floyd’s loss of life on video, says it modified her life
“After I have a look at George Floyd, I have a look at my dad, I have a look at my brothers, I have a look at my cousins, my uncles,” Frazier stated on the time. She stated she has stayed up some nights “apologizing and apologizing to George Floyd for not doing extra and never bodily interacting and never saving his life.”
However, she stated, “It’s not what I ought to have finished. It’s what he (Chauvin) ought to have finished.”
Three different former Minneapolis officers accused of aiding and abetting in Floyd’s homicide will stand trial in March 2022, so a federal case in opposition to them can first go ahead, a choose dominated final month.
Contributing: Chelsey Cox and N’dea Yancey-Bragg, USA TODAY
