HOUSTON (AP) Years before a bystander's video of George Floyd's last moments made his name synonymous with a global call for justice, Floyd initiated a different kind of dialogue. In a video where he addressed young men in his neighborhood, Floyd expressed his flaws while emphasizing the importance of putting down guns and valuing life. His stature at 6-foot-7 towered over the camera, yet it was his humble message that resonated.
Originally published by the Associated Press on June 10, 2020, this profile reveals the complexities of Floyd's life, contrasting the heroic image created in death with the reality of his experiences. Born in North Carolina and relocating to Houston at age 2, Floyd's life was marked by struggles, including a nearly five-year incarceration that would alter his trajectory. Despite having once been a star athlete, he faced challenges transitioning back to life in Houston's Third Ward, a community grappling with economic hardship.
Floyd found a supportive environment in the Cuney Homes public housing project, where he was both a mentor and an inspiration to many, especially the children who looked up to him. He was affectionately nicknamed "Big Floyd" and welcomed friends in need to his mother's apartment. His mother, Larcenia Floyd, had high hopes for him as he expressed ambitions that included becoming a U.S. Supreme Court justice in second grade. Throughout his youth, Floyd excelled as a tight end on his high school football team but struggled to find his footing after graduation, alternating between construction jobs and security work.
Between 1997 and 2005, Floyd's life took a downward turn with multiple arrests tied to drug and theft charges. A significant turning point came in 2007 when he was convicted of aggravated robbery, leading to a five-year prison sentence. Upon being released in 2013, he sought redemption through church involvement in Houston's Third Ward, where he became a community leader. Floyd's willingness to engage with residents and uplift youth made him a respected figure in the area.
In 2014, with five children from different relationships and facing ongoing pressures, Floyd decided to relocate for a fresh start. He moved to Minneapolis, where he initially found work as a security guard at the Salvation Army's Harbor Light Center. There, he demonstrated a caring nature by ensuring the safety of his female colleagues. Later, he worked as a bouncer at the Conga Latin Bistro, where he embraced joy and connection through music.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 resulted in job loss for Floyd, further compounding his challenges. On Memorial Day, an incident at a convenience store involving a counterfeit $20 bill led to his tragic death at the hands of police—sparking worldwide protests and a renewed focus on police reform.
Those who knew Floyd remember him not just for his mistakes, but for his compassion and desire to uplift others. His life story emphasizes the struggles faced by individuals in marginalized communities, as well as their capacity for growth and change. Even amidst the sorrow of his passing, many believe that Floyd's legacy will continue to inspire conversations about justice and compassion in society.
