Never again
As the world watches, mourners at George Floyd’s funeral demand action so his untimely death won’t be in vain
HOUSTON – Relatives and elected leaders spoke passionately at Tuesday’s funeral for George Floyd, demanding reforms and justice for a black man whose death has shaken the world.
About 500 friends, family, politicians and entertainers streamed into The Fountain of Praise church in Houston for what co-pastor Mia Wright called, “a home-going celebration of brother George Floyd’s life.”
The emotional service, which rang with gospel music and calls to ensure that Floyd did not die in vain, was widely broadcast and streamed online.
“I want justice for my brother, for my big brother, that’s Big Floyd,” Rodney Floyd said. “Everyone is going to remember him around the world. He’s going to change the world.”
Those words were echoed throughout the service in remarks by several of the invited guests, a list that included Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee and Rep. Al Green.
Former Vice President Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee for the presidency, met Floyd’s family privately Monday and referenced Floyd’s 6-year-old daughter Gianna in a video presentation.
“Now is the time for racial justice,” Biden said. “That’s the answer we must give to our children when they ask, ‘Why?’ Because when there’s justice for George Floyd, we will truly be
Jorge L. Ortiz, John Bacon and John C. Moritz
on our way to racial justice in America. And then, as you said Gianna, your daddy will have changed the world.”
Later, Lee said, “I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to overcome the words, ‘I can’t breathe.’ ... “But what I will say is the assignment of George Floyd and the purpose for me is there will be no more 8 minutes and 46 seconds of police brutality.”
Floyd’s death after a Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck for almost nine minutes was caught on a video that triggered outrage and waves of protests – and could ultimately result in sweeping changes in the nation’s justice system.
Green was among those underscoring the importance of achieving the meaningful reforms that failed to materialize after black men like Michael Brown, Eric Garner and Freddie Gray died at the hands of police in previous years.
“We have a responsibility to each one of them to make sure that we do not walk away today after having celebrated his life and not taken the next step to ... assure the future generations that this won’t happen again,” Green said.
Besides the prominent politicians, Floyd’s brothers and niece addressed an audience mostly outfitted with masks – some of them bearing Floyd’s resemblance – to avoid spread of the coronavirus. Early in the service, gospel singer Dray Tate performed his single “A change is gonna come” as an artist drew a painting of Floyd’s face on a large black canvas.
Two other drawings of Floyd, depicted with a halo over his head and angel wings at his back, were also prominently displayed at the stage.
In delivering the eulogy, activist Al Sharpton stressed that Floyd’s death “was not just a tragedy, it was a crime,” and he warned that, “until the law is upheld and people know they will go to jail, they’re going to keep doing it because they’re protected by wickedness
Former Vice President Joe Biden recounted in a video during Tuesday’s service how George Floyd’s daughter, Gianna, asked him why he had to die. “You’re so brave,” Biden said. “No child should have to ask questions that too many black children have asked for generations: Why? Why is daddy gone? In looking through your eyes, we should also be asking ourselves why the answer is so often too cruel and painful.” He added, “Now is the time, the purpose, the season to listen and heal.” in high places.”
Floyd will be buried in a private ceremony alongside his mother, Larcenia “Miss Cissy” Floyd, whom he called out for as he gasped for breath, lying handcuffed on a Minneapolis street on Memorial Day. His remains were transported the final mile by horse-drawn carriage to his grave site at Houston Memorial Gardens in the suburb of Pearland.
As Floyd’s hearse slowly made its way to the cemetery alongside a police escort, legions of people lined the road, many with their cellphones aloft, some saluting, a few holding signs.
Parts of the funeral procession route along Pearland’s Cullen Boulevard filled with observers long before the funeral service ended, many carrying lawn chairs and umbrellas to provide shade from the broiling Texas sun on a day when the heat index was expected to reach as high as 107 degrees.
Audrieka Jones, 24, walked a mileand-a-half from where she parked to near the cemetery entrance to wait for the procession. She was heartened to see so many diverse faces also waiting along the route.
“I’m seeing more Caucasians standing up than I ever had before,” said Jones, a social worker who is black. “This is a good thing. It is definitely a good thing.”
Mariah Almack, 32, and Elyse Kizer, 27, were among the white mourners waiting for the procession. Kizer held a black heart-shaped sign reading, “George Floyd.” Almack’s sign read, “We will keep saying his name.’’
“It’s not black people’s responsibility to fix racism,” Almack said. “It’s on white people.”