Texas A&M University-Commerce and the George Floyd Memorial Foundation announced the launch of an internship program tailored toward Black male students.
The Be His Legacy Internship Program, which is slated to start in January, will provide career and professional development to members of the African American Male Mentorship Program at the university, according to The Philadelphia Tribune.
The internship will span across two semesters with interns gaining exposure to community outreach opportunities, educational programs and reform initiatives.
Members of the mentorship program are encouraged to be "actively engage in the university experience, develop leadership skills, and successfully graduate and become future industry leaders," according to a statement from the university via The Philadelphia Tribune.
"Interns will work on cutting-edge projects with real-world relevance while receiving mentorship from some of the brightest minds in the fields of education, government, law and the non-profit sector," said Bridgett Floyd, George's sister and president of the foundation.
Bridgett established the foundation in her brother's memory along with other family members. According to the foundation's website, the organization is promoting social justice, community engagement and creating a memorial center.
"Through organized community outreach, targeted educational programs, and intentional reform initiatives, we will honor the legacy of George Floyd and continue to ignite the world. Our mission is to eradicate systemic racism, eliminate police brutality, promote social justice, and protect the civil rights of all people of color," the website states.
George was killed by a former police officer in Minneapolis in May. His death sparked national protests and grew calls for law enforcement reform and restructure. Although George was living in Minnesota and was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina, he grew up in Houston and was described as being a mentor with a heart for his community.
He had previously spent time working at the Salvation Army Harbor Light Center, which the memorial foundation announced would be the recipient of its first donation, MPR News reported.
“For the foundation to contribute to the mission of the Salvation Army in George’s name is almost like they’re perpetuating what he was doing when he was trying to make a difference working with the Salvation Army,” family attorney Ben Crump said at the launch of the organization.
Other institutions have also worked to honor George's legacy since his passing.
Back in June, just one month after George was killed, the president of North Central University in Minneapolis announced the George Floyd Memorial Scholarship, as Blavity previously reported. University President Scott Hagan challenged other colleges to establish a memorial scholarship in George's memory.
