On what would have been George Floyd's 50th birthday, his family, friends, and supporters around the world are taking a moment to remember the man whose tragic death in May 2020 sparked a global movement for racial justice. Floyd's older sister, LaTonya Floyd, has been at the forefront of these commemorations, sharing her personal memories and grief with the public.
George Floyd, who would have celebrated his 50th birthday on October 14th, was killed in Minneapolis by a group of white police officers. The horrifying footage of Derek Chauvin, one of the officers, pressing his knee on Floyd's neck for over nine minutes went viral, leading to widespread protests and reigniting the Black Lives Matter movement. Chauvin was later convicted of second and third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in 2021.
LaTonya Floyd, 55, spoke to various media outlets about her brother, describing him as "just a soul full of joy." She expressed the deep pain and sorrow she feels, especially on days like his birthday. "He should've been here," she told People magazine. "I thought he would be alive to see it. I thought he'd live to be 100." These sentiments were echoed in her conversations with other publications, where she emphasized the void left by her brother's untimely death.
In addition to the emotional toll, the legal aftermath of Floyd's death has been a significant point of discussion. Following Chauvin's conviction, the other officers present during Floyd's arrest - J. Alexander Keung, Thomas Lane, and Tou Thao - were also found guilty of violating Floyd's rights by denying him medical care. In 2021, the Floyd family received a $27 million settlement from the city of Minneapolis and the involved officers.
LaTonya's journey through grief has been public and poignant. On the third anniversary of her brother's death, she expressed a sense of forgiveness towards Chauvin, despite his apparent lack of remorse. "I'm not saying that it's OK what he did - it's not," she shared with People. "But I pray that the next time he kneels down, it's to help someone up, instead of holding them down. I hope he finds peace within himself. I pray for him. I do."
As the world remembers George Floyd, his family is ensuring that his legacy is celebrated in a manner befitting his spirit. LaTonya mentioned that if George were alive, he would have thrown a block party to celebrate his 50th birthday. "Everybody would come," she said. "I miss him so much. I love him more, and since he is not here to do it, I'm going to do it for him."
In the wake of the remembrances, President Joe Biden has amplified his calls for gun reform. On the occasion of Floyd's 50th birthday, Biden emphasized the urgency of addressing the gun violence that plagues the nation. He highlighted the need for comprehensive gun control measures, drawing a connection between the broader issues of racial justice, police reform, and the rampant gun violence that disproportionately affects communities of color.
Biden's renewed push for gun reform is seen by many as a tribute to Floyd's legacy and a testament to the broader implications of his death. The President's message underscores the interconnectedness of the challenges the nation faces and serves as a reminder that the fight for justice and equality is multifaceted and ongoing.
