George Floyd's Legacy: Urging Congress for Police Reform 4 Years After Tragic Incident
In remembrance of George Floyd's passing, his family reiterates the importance of Congress passing police reform legislation in his honor. The call for change in American policing continues as they seek justice and reform in his name.
The family of George Floyd commemorated the fourth anniversary of his tragic death by urging Congress to pass a law to reform policing in America in his memory.
During a news conference on Thursday, Philonise Floyd, George Floyd's brother, emphasized the necessity for change as democratic lawmakers introduced the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.
The legislation was passed in the House, which was controlled by Democrats at the time, in June 2020. However, it did not progress in the Senate.
Democratic Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee reintroduced the bill on Thursday, just days before the fourth anniversary of Floyd's murder. The bill aims to hold law enforcement accountable for misconduct in court, and also includes reforms for police training and policies.
Rep. Jackson Lee urged Congress to pass the George Floyd #JusticeInPolicingAct of 2024 to bring about significant changes in policing practices and prevent unnecessary deaths. Philonise Floyd voiced his agreement with this call for reform.
“In their eyes, police see you as a target simply because of your skin color,” he explained. “If they can create laws to protect the bald eagle, they can create laws to protect people of color.”
Philonise Floyd, George Floyd's brother, speaks at a press conference on May 24, 2024.
Philonise Floyd, George Floyd's brother, speaks at a press conference on May 24, 2024.
From Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee
George Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man, tragically lost his life on May 25, 2020, while being held by the police. Derek Chauvin, a White police officer, was caught on camera kneeling on Floyd's neck and back for almost nine minutes, despite Floyd's pleas for help and difficulty breathing.
A year later, Chauvin was found guilty of murder and manslaughter in a state trial and was given a sentence of over 22 years in prison. He also admitted guilt in federal court for violating Floyd's civil rights.
Three additional ex-Minneapolis police officers were also charged and received prison sentences for their involvement in Floyd's killing.
During the press conference on Thursday, Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar, who represents Minneapolis, urged her colleagues in Congress to consider the potential lives that could have been saved if they had the bravery to take action.
US President Joe Biden delivers a commencement address during Morehouse College's graduation ceremony in Atlanta, Georgia on May 19, 2024. Biden's graduation speech at Morehouse College, the university attended by the late rights icon Martin Luther King, Jr, will be his most direct engagement with students since demonstrations over Israel's war in Gaza roiled campuses across the United States. (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP) (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)
US President Joe Biden spoke at Morehouse College's graduation ceremony in Atlanta, Georgia on May 19, 2024. Known for being attended by the late civil rights icon Martin Luther King, Jr, Morehouse College holds a special place in history. This speech by Biden is seen as his most direct interaction with students since protests erupted on campuses nationwide over Israel's conflict in Gaza. (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP) (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)
ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP/AFP via Getty Images
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"We need a clear national standard to uphold the promise of equal protection under the law," she said.
The murder of George Floyd ignited protests globally, calling for an end to racial injustice and police brutality. Even after four years, his family still deeply feels the pain of his loss. Many Black Americans have felt compelled to take action after losing loved ones to police violence.
Selwyn Jones, Floyd's uncle, shared with CNN that watching the video of his nephew's death prompted him to take action. Since then, he has remained committed to making a difference.
This spring, Jones teamed up with Gwen Carr, the mother of Eric Garner, who was also a victim of police violence in 2014. Together, they discussed how they have channeled their grief into meaningful activism during a presentation at Harvard University.
Jones shared that he co-founded Hope929.org, a charity focused on empowering individuals who are marginalized by society, as a way to create positive change in honor of his nephew. He expressed his motivation by stating, “What I can do is I can take the atrocity that he was dealt that day and make a difference.”
But he doesn't have high hopes for the legislation.
He expressed his frustration, believing that it may never be approved. Even if it is, he fears it will be significantly weakened. He mentioned feeling let down because there were assurances that the bill would be approved.
Jones mentioned that he and his family will keep Floyd's legacy alive. He shared that he intends to join a celebration in honor of Floyd this weekend in Charlotte, North Carolina.
"It's going to be a nostalgic gathering," Jones expressed. "We will come together to eat, drink, celebrate, and show love and support for one another."
Editor's P/S:
The fourth anniversary of George Floyd's tragic death serves as a somber reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial justice in America. The family of George Floyd, along with activists and lawmakers, are urging Congress to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, a comprehensive bill that aims to reform policing practices and hold law enforcement accountable for misconduct. The bill, which has been reintroduced in the House, faces an uncertain future in the Senate, where it has previously stalled.
Despite the lack of progress on the legislative front, the Floyd family remains committed to fighting for change. Philonise Floyd, George's brother, emphasized the need for laws that protect people of color, drawing a parallel to the protections afforded to the bald eagle. Selwyn Jones, George's uncle, has channeled his grief into activism, co-founding Hope929.org to empower marginalized individuals. The pain and frustration expressed by the Floyd family and their supporters highlight the urgent need for systemic reforms that address racial injustice and police brutality. The fourth anniversary of George Floyd's death serves as a call to action for lawmakers and all Americans to work towards a more just and equitable society.
