RALEIGH, N.C. — In 2020, protesters across the country, and in North Carolina, took to the streets following the death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer. Now, Floyd's uncle, Roger Floyd, walks the same streets that once echoed the chants of his nephew's name.
What You Need To Know
- George Floyd was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina
- The George Floyd Memorial Center (GFMC) established May 25 as the Day of Enlightenment
- The GFMC is a nonprofit headquartered in Raleigh
“I think there has been some strides that have been made, but of course, we could always do more, because we must do more,” said Roger Floyd, a founding member of the George Floyd Memorial Center.
On May 25, 2020, George Floyd was murdered by Officer Derek Chauvin. Floyd died after Chauvin knelt on his neck for more than nine minutes while arresting him on suspicion of using a counterfeit $20 bill.
Videos of the brutality spread fiercely and rapidly across the country, sparking a nationwide social justice movement and a call for police reform. On April 20, 2021, Chauvin was found guilty of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.
“That day, the world woke up and said enough is enough, and that lead to the momentum to bring about change, I’m talking about significant change, going towards true transformation,” Roger Floyd said.
Floyd’s family has chosen to not make his anniversary a day of anguish, but instead designate May 25 as a "Day of Enlightenment."
“As a family, we simply got together once we received and understood what that shock was about, there was something we need to do, and tell the George Floyd story,” Roger Floyd said.
Roger Floyd says the Day of Enlightenment represents what George Floyd meant to his family and the impact he has on the world today. A day to never forget what happened, but to move forward, pushing for change.
“Last year was a remembrance of George. What did George’s death do, how did it impact your life as we asked individuals. It gave more individuals an opportunity to speak out positively, not only in our city, our state, throughout the world,” Roger Floyd said.
Roger Floyd said losing his nephew was something he never imagined. He was the third person to hold George after he was born and will always recall his big heart.
“He truly was a gentle giant. He’d give his shirt off his back to anyone that would engage with him, 'how can I help you today,'” Roger Floyd said.
About five months after Floyd’s death, ground broke for the North Carolina Freedom Park in Raleigh. The park is 20 years in the making and recently received the funding to begin construction in October 2021. Once complete, the park will honor the struggle and triumphs for freedom that Black north Carolinians faced and still face today.
“As we put it forth to the legislature, George will have a location here, acknowledging him as an individual, and we are proud of that,” Roger Floyd said.
This year’s Day of Enlightenment is expanding into a Weekend of Enlightenment:
- May 25: Virtual Town Hall on Day of Enlightenment, remembrance event with a panel of police chiefs from around the country. Register here.
- May 27: George Floyd Charity Golf Tournament, Lochmere Golf Club in Cary
- May 28: Conference with guest speakers on education and awareness. Register here.
“We want to invite the world in with us to do it together and make that difference continue the dialogue necessary in order to impact the lives of others,” Roger Floyd said.