People around the world were afforded the opportunity to mourn the death of George Floyd together this weekend, when a memorial service was held at North Central University in Minneapolis.
As per reports, the service was streamed live on CBS Minnesota, with a number of prominent figures present to pay their respects.
Floyd’s golden casket was adorned and surrounded by flowers, and his service included a touching reading of “Amazing Grace”, as well as a prayer and a eulogy delivered by Reverend Al Sharpton.
A moment of particular poignancy was when Mayor Jacob Frey of Minneapolis – who spoke out against the police officers responsible for Floyd’s death in the days following his passing – knelt down at Floyd’s casket and sobbed.
George’s brother, Philonise, said at the service: “‘We came up together. We didn’t have much. Our mom did what she could. We would sleep in the same beds. Play video games together. Go outside and play football.
“He added that his brother had several nicknames — Big George, Big Floyd, Georgie Porgie — and eclectic eating habits. ‘We made banana mayonnaise sandwiches together — it was a family thing.’”
Floyd lost his life during what should have been a routine arrest on May 25. Four police officers handcuffed him and pinned him to the ground, with one officer, Derek Chauvin, kneeling on his neck for almost nine minutes.
Despite Floyd’s pleas that he couldn’t breathe, he was held in the position until he lost consciousness. Authorities say he died later in hospital.
George Floyd’s death, though tragic, is a symptom of a bigger problem facing our society as a whole. We must stand up to racism and end it now, once and for all.
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