A Texas county has officially designated June 9 as "George Perry Floyd, Jr. Day" in honor of the 46-year-old, who was killed by Minneapolis police on May 25, Chron.com reported.
Although Floyd was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina, he grew up in Houston's Third Ward and went to Yates High School, where he was beloved by friends and classmates. According to Chron.com, he was well known in the area as a member of DJ Screw's rap group Screwed Up Click.
Officials in Judge Lina Hidalgo's office told Chron.com about the decision to give Floyd his own day in Harris County.
“We must never forget the name George Floyd or the global movement he has inspired. George Floyd’s death, and the deaths of Breonna Taylor, Sandra Bland, Tamir Rice, Ahmaud Arbery, and too many others have sparked a national conversation about race and police brutality. It has taken far too long for us to get here, but we must lean forward and work to make meaningful change in our nation. No family should lose another loved one in such a senseless way,” Hidalgo said in a statement to Chron.com.
On Twitter, Hidalgo spoke about the potential changes that are in store.
On the day we lay George Floyd to rest, we’re supporting an avalanche of reforms that will re-imagine justice in Harris County.
✔️Increased Civilian Oversight of Police
✔️Re-examining of law enforcement funding
✔️New model governing the use of forcehttps://t.co/zmNR7TDODR— Lina Hidalgo (@LinaHidalgoTX) June 9, 2020
"On the day we lay George Floyd to rest, we’re supporting an avalanche of reforms that will re-imagine justice in Harris County," she wrote.
There have been multiple funerals for Floyd across the country, but he will be buried at Houston Memorial Gardens next to his mother on Tuesday.
Floyd's killing has reverberated around the world, sparking protests and demonstrations in all 50 states and dozens of countries that have their own issues with violent police officers.
Even in Houston, the effect of his death has led to a local push for reforms and more responsible policing.
The Houston Chronicle reported that Democratic members of the Harris County Commissioners Court have submitted proposals for greater civilian control of police oversight and more stringent use-of-force policies.
According to Chron.com, more than 6,000 people showed up to a public viewing of Floyd's casket while another 60,000 people in Houston attended protests last week. Both Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner attended the service.
