On August 15, 2020, M. Martin joined thousands of Chicagoans and people across the U.S. in protesting the murder of George Floyd and the ongoing use of police violence and murder against Black, Latino and Native people in this country.
While peacefully protesting in downtown Chicago, Chicago police attacked her, knocked her to the ground and beat her. In the process, they took her bike and many of her personal belongings. Friends took her to the hospital where she received emergency case. Upon her release, she was unable to move without great pain for over a week and suffered ongoing pain and bruising, both physical and mental, for months.
Amanda Yarusso and Melinda Power filed a civil action on her behalf, due to the police use of excessive force. The City agreed to settle the case shortly after it was filed.