May 8, 2025 Story by: Publisher
A new report from the Pew Research Center reveals that five years after the killing of George Floyd sparked a global racial reckoning, support for the Black Lives Matter movement has declined significantly, and most Americans believe the national focus on racial inequality has led to little tangible progress for Black Americans.
Support for Black Lives Matter Has Eroded
Support for the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement peaked in June 2020 at 67% of U.S. adults. As of May 2025, that figure has dropped to 52%, according to Pew’s nationally representative survey. Racial and partisan divides remain stark:
- 81% of Black adults support the BLM movement, compared to
- 61% of Hispanic,
- 63% of Asian, and
- 42% of White adults.
Among White adults, just 24% of Republicans say they support the movement, while 84% of Democrats (and those leaning Democratic) do.
Widespread Skepticism on Racial Progress
Despite widespread awareness following Floyd’s death, 72% of U.S. adults say the increased attention to racial inequality has not improved the lives of Black people. This sentiment cuts across racial and political lines, though it is particularly strong among Republicans and older Americans.
- Among Black adults, 58% say the focus on racial inequality hasn’t led to much change.
- 31% of U.S. adults believe the attention has made things better for Black people.
- Only 5% believe it made things worse.
Views on Police Misconduct and Reform
Americans remain sharply divided on policing:
- Half of U.S. adults (49%) say police misconduct is a serious problem.
- 81% of Black adults view it as a serious issue, compared with 38% of White adults.
- A majority (61%) say police officers who cause harm are not held accountable often enough.
Trust in law enforcement varies by race and party:
- 82% of Republicans have confidence in the police to act in the public’s best interest.
- Only 41% of Democrats say the same.
- Just 26% of Black Americans express confidence in the police, compared to 65% of White Americans.
Reflections on George Floyd’s Death
Five years later, Americans remain divided on whether George Floyd’s killing was part of a broader pattern or an isolated incident:
- 64% of Black adults believe it reflects broader problems with policing.
- Among White adults, only 38% agree, while 61% say it was an isolated incident.
Continued Demand for Change
Despite the waning support for BLM and skepticism about progress, most Americans still say that more needs to be done:
- 88% of Black adults say more work is needed to achieve racial equality.
- Among all U.S. adults, 57% agree more needs to be done, down from 76% in 2020.
The Pew report reflects the enduring tensions and unresolved questions surrounding race, policing, and justice in America. While the 2020 protests marked a watershed moment, public opinion suggests the momentum has slowed, and the nation remains deeply divided on how—or whether—lasting change is being realized.
Source: Pew Research Center
