George Floyd

October 14, 1973 - May 25, 2020

Violence Victim

George Perry Floyd Jr. (October 14, 1973 – May 25, 2020) was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He grew up in Houston’s Third Ward after moving to Texas with his mother and siblings at age three. Standing over 6 feet tall, Floyd excelled in sports during high school, playing basketball and football at Jack Yates Senior High School. He briefly attended Texas A&M University-Kingsville on a football scholarship.

In his twenties, Floyd pursued music as “Big Floyd,” appearing on mixtapes with Houston’s DJ Screw. He faced several legal challenges throughout his life, including nonviolent drug offenses and a more serious conviction in 2007.

In 2017, seeking a fresh start, Floyd moved to Minneapolis where he worked multiple jobs including as a security guard at a nightclub and at the Salvation Army. He was also training to become a truck driver. Floyd was a father to a daughter named Gianna, born in 2013.

On May 25, 2020, Floyd was killed during an arrest by Minneapolis police, sparking worldwide protests against police brutality and systemic racism. His death became a catalyst for one of the largest civil rights movements in recent history.

Legacy

Floyd’s impact continues through the George Floyd Memorial Foundation, which works to promote awareness of racial injustices and advocate for social change. His memory lives on in murals, memorials, and policy reforms across the country.

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