Activists vow to march on one year after George Floyd's murder

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee's Mad Moms used George Floyd's anniversary Tuesday, May 25, to point out how much they believe needs to be done to reform policing.

They celebrated the murder conviction of Derek Chauvin, the police officer who knelt on Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes a year ago.

But they said Floyd's death showed how much work is left to create reform.

"Say his name!"

"Which one?"

"Sylville Smith!"

Under the silent gaze of George Floyd's mural at North and Holton, activists called out the names of so many who've died at the hands of police. It was a somber reminder of why these activists march.

"You don't know what they go through and I learned from Maria Hamilton that this is not a club that they asked to belong to," said Milwaukee Mad Moms founder Dee Dee Davis.

The anniversary of George Floyd's death poses a double meaning. His death sparked a national protest movement, but it also highlights how far activists feel they still have left to go to see reform go through.

"Whether we want to believe it or not, his calling was to bring about change," said Sedan Smith.

They vowed to continue protesting, marching and advocating for congressional action.

"Tell them to vote yes on the George Floyd bill, it's to help all of us," said Maria Hamilton.

Honking their horns and taking off down North Avenue, they'll continue to march. Because they share a common bond, trying to stop the pain for those who've lost the most.

"You just don't realize just how much you miss a person until they're gone," said Christoper Davis' mother, Doretha Lock.

The House of Representatives passed the George Floyd police reform bill back in March.

The Senate has yet to take action, which is one reason these protests will continue.