Darnella Frazier

Darnella Frazier (born March 23, 2003) is an American woman who recorded the murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, posting her video on Facebook and Instagram.

[3] Described by her lawyer as a normal teenager "with a boyfriend and a job at the mall," Frazier was a high school junior at the time of Floyd's murder.

[6] Twenty seconds after she started filming, Floyd said "I can't breathe", which was repeated by protesters worldwide on the days and weeks that followed.

[6] At 1:46 a.m. on May 26, Frazier posted her video to Facebook and Instagram, adding the caption: "They killed him right in front of cup foods over south on 38th and Chicago!!

"[12] When Chauvin was convicted, analysts agreed that her video and testimony were important to the outcome and had "helped shatter that narrative", referring to the misleading statements initially made by police officials.

[13] Frazier celebrated Chauvin's conviction on Facebook and Instagram, writing, "This last hour my heart was beating so fast, I was so anxious, anxiety bussing through the roof.

"[15] In February 2022, Frazier was called to testify at the federal civil rights trial of the three other officers involved in Floyd's murder.

[16] In December 2020, free speech advocacy group PEN America presented Frazier with its Benenson Courage Award.

The group's CEO Suzanne Nossel said "With nothing more than a cell phone and sheer guts, Darnella changed the course of history in this country, sparking a bold movement demanding an end to systemic anti-Black racism and violence at the hands of police," adding, "Without Darnella's presence of mind and readiness to risk her own safety and wellbeing, we may never have known the truth about George Floyd's murder.

"[18] Tim Walz, the governor of Minnesota, thanked Frazier, saying, "Taking that video, I think many folks know, is maybe the only reason that Derek Chauvin will go to prison".

[19] Pete Souza, who served as White House photographer during the Obama administration, wrote that Frazier "demonstrated courage and perseverance in filming what she knew was wrong," adding that "This verdict does not happen without her," and "Thank you Darnella; you have changed our country forever.

Her excruciating video had a social and ethical purpose, one that aligns with journalistic values: To give voice to the voiceless, to speak truth to power, to reveal secrets that the corrupt seek to hide, to stand strong in a moment of personal peril, and to document a fleeting reality that is fraught with meaning.

"[20] On June 11, 2021, the Pulitzer Prize board issued Frazier a special award and citation, for, "courageously reporting the murder of George Floyd, a video that spurred protests against police brutality around the world, highlighting the crucial role of citizens in journalists' quest for truth and justice.