Balloons flew high above Barclays Center Wednesday evening on what would’ve been George Floyd’s 47th birthday. 

The day brings feelings of both pain and power to people who also lost loved ones.


What You Need To Know

  • People gathered at Barclays Center Wednesday evening

  • They commemorated what would’ve been George Floyd’s 47th birthday

  • They released balloons, prayed together and called for police reforms

Gwen Carr was here last month marking her son Eric Garners's birthday. She was among the many speakers at the commemoration, calling for police reform and an end to violence. 

“My son coined the phrase 'I can’t breathe,' but when George Floyd died it was like an echo from the grave,” said Carr. 

Eve Hendricks lost her son Brandon Hendricks. The teen basketball star was shot and killed just days after graduating high school.

“All the other people that got killed senselessly, their lives matter and coming here to meet and be with other families going through the same thing that I’m going through, it’s very comforting,” said Hendricks. 

George Floyd’s death sparked massive protests across the city, many at Barclays Center. 

The celebration and vigil on what would’ve been his birthday was organized by a coalition called Strategy for Back Lives and other local groups.

“As I stand here today, next month, November 4, makes fifteen years since my son was killed by NYC police officer. So I understand the pain. I understand that people are tired and they want answers and solutions,” said Mike Tucker, who is the Founder of Lay the Guns Down. 

In order to get those answers and solutions, organizers also encouraged people to get out and vote this November.