The killing of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police touched off marches across the U.S. and abroad. Black citizens have taken to the streets demanding accountability within law enforcement and a review of racist policies and treatment.
Out of the shouting, chanting and singing from the streets, a small but meaningful voice reminded us recently of whose life was given so this metamorphosis could begin.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CA8-_agn1Dr/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Floyd’s 6-year old daughter, Gianna, was recently filmed declaring her “Daddy changed the world.”
The poignant video was captured by director, Skrptz, which he captioned with, “‘My Daddy Changed The World!!!’ When You Remember George Floyd Make Sure You Remember This Beautiful Soul That He Left Behind.”
Earlier this year, a video recording made by a bystander, as well as police bodycam footage, showed Officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on Floyd’s neck, ignorning his pleas that he couldn’t breathe. Footage also revealed that Chauvin continued pressing his knee against Floyd’s neck for two minutes after Floyd became unresponsive. Medical responders transported Floyd to Hennepin County Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CA0wZk4HGM_/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
An investigation found that Floyd died during his arrest for a complaint over an allegedly counterfeit $20 bill.
The video of the incident spread as did the collective horror at Floyd’s treatment by Minneapolis law enforcement. Soon after, marchers descended on city centers demanding change and abolishment of police brutality.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CA9cBGPnlNK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Roxie Washington, Gianna’s mother, made a statement at a press conference in Minneapolis.
At the end of the day, they get to go home and be with their families. Gianna does not have a father.
He will never see her grow up, graduate.
He will never walk her down the aisle.
If there’s a problem she is having and she needs her dad, she doesn’t have that anymore.
Floyd’s friend and former NBA player, Stephen Jackson, was filmed later walking with Gianna on his shoulders. “My daddy changed the world,” the little girl said, too young to even understand the details of her father’s death.
Officer Derek Chauvin has been fired and arrested for the murder of George Floyd.
