The Science Museum of Minnesota is displaying an exhibit that includes a memorial video listing the names of black Americans killed during police encounters in 2020 — but without providing visitors with factual background about the individual cases or circumstances surrounding those incidents.
The exhibit, titled “Race: Are We So Different?” includes an in-person display and online memorial video that lists the names of more than 250 black men and women allegedly killed during encounters with police in 2020. The video opens with text stating:
“These are the names of Black people killed during police encounters in 2020. Each was someone’s son or daughter. Someone’s brother or sister. Someone’s parent. Someone’s friend. Each one left behind a wounded family. A hole in the community.”
The presentation continues: “This experience lasts 8:46, the length of time officer Derek Chauvin knelt on George Floyd’s neck. Say their names.”
For the duration of the 8 minutes and 46 seconds, the video cycles through names while audio of labored breathing plays in the background.
The presentation concludes with the name of George Floyd.
The exhibit webpage provides no additional information about the incidents referenced in the memorial, including whether those listed were armed, resisting arrest, threatening officers or civilians, or whether investigations later determined police actions were justified or unjustified.
