October 14 …

The killing of George Floyd under the kneed of a Minneapolis police officer became a global catalyst for protest and debate over policing and racial justice.

George Perry Floyd Jr. was born October 14, 1973 in Fayetteville, NC and grew up in Houston’s Third Ward. Raised by his mother, Larcenia, and surrounded by several siblings, he attended Jack Yates High School in the early 1990s, where he excelled in basketball and football. Friends and family recall him as tall, soft-spoken, and actively involved in his church and community.

Floyd’s life was characterized by diverse work experiences and community engagement. He worked as a security guard, truck driver, and community mentor, fathering children along the way. Known for his friendly demeanor, he became a respected figure in Houston for mentoring the youth.

After relocating to Minneapolis, he found employment at local restaurants. Despite facing legal challenges in the late 1990s and 2000s — convictions that supporters say reflected struggles he had overcome — Floyd maintained a positive impact on those around him.

Tragically, on May 25, 2020, police in Minneapolis detained Floyd after a store clerk reported a counterfeit bill. During the arrest, Officer Derek Chauvin knelt on Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes while Floyd repeatedly gasped that he couldn’t breathe, as three other officers held him down.

Floyd became unresponsive and was later pronounced dead. A bystander, Darnella Frazier, recorded the incident, which quickly circulated online and ignited nationwide and worldwide protests demanding police accountability.

In the wake of this tragedy, significant changes occurred. Derek Chauvin was convicted of murder and manslaughter in 2021, while the three other officers faced trials and civil settlements. Cities, including Minneapolis, debated policing reforms, implementing various policy changes with mixed results. Street artists globally created murals honoring Floyd, including depictions in Minneapolis, Houston, Naples, and Belfast.

Floyd’s family received a multi-million-dollar settlement from the City of Minneapolis. They went on to establish a foundation and memorial efforts in his honor.

The death of George Floyd catalyzed global Black Lives Matter protests, inspired art, legislative initiatives, and prompted corporate and institutional reflections on race, leaving a lasting and profound impact on American social justice, society, and history.

About The Photo:

• A memorial for George Floyd in South Minneapolis. This is part of a series over the unrest in Minneapolis over the May 25th death of George Floyd in the custody of the Minneapolis Police Department. The protests would spread worldwide through the next week. Chad Davis Photography: 2020 Minneapolis Uprising and Flickr Album: George Floyd Protests.