Spike Lee Presents Teen With Courage Award For Recording George Floyd’s DeathDarnella Frazier has been recognized with a prestigious national courage award for filming the arrest and death of George Floyd.
During Tuesday night’s PEN America Virtual Gala, famed director Spike Lee presented Frazier with the 2020 PEN/Benenson Freedom of Expression Courage Award for her actions on May 25. “My sister, I commend you and you deserve this award,” said Lee.
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As we previously reported, the 17-year-old took out her cell phone and filmed former Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on the neck of George Floyd for nearly nine minutes. Chauvin is now facing murder charges. The teen’s video sparked worldwide protests and a path for change. While speaking about the award, Frazier admitted, “It’s just a lot to take in, but I couldn’t say thank you enough for everything that’s been coming towards me.”
Floyd Jr. was just 46 years old when he was killed during an arrest after a store clerk alleged he had passed a counterfeit $20 bill in Minneapolis. Chauvin posted $1 million bail back on October and was released from custody. He was allowed to leave the state while he awaits trial, according to new bail conditions outlined in court records. The other three other officers involved were fired and are charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter.
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