During its opening night on Monday, Philonise Floyd, George Floyd’s brother, addressed the Democratic National Convention.
He said “My brother George was selfless,” as he sat beside his other brother, Rodney, who did not speak during the remarks.
“He always made sacrifices for his family, friends and even complete strangers.”
He continued: “George had a giving spirit ― a spirit that has shown up on streets around our nation and around the world. People of all races, all ages, all genders, all backgrounds, peacefully protesting in the name of love and unity.”
At 46-year-old, George Floyd, died in May while police restrained him face down on a street in Minneapolis even as he stated repetitively that he couldn’t breathe. His death ignited global protests against police brutality and systemic racism.
“It’s a fitting legacy for our brother, but George should be alive today,” Philonise Floyd said Monday before naming other Black victims of racist violence. “Breonna Taylor should be alive today. Ahmaud Arbery should be alive today. Eric Garner should be alive today. Stephon Clark, Atatiana Jefferson, Sandra Bland ― they should all be alive today.”
He called on Americans to seek justice and get themselves into “good trouble,” a phrase coined by the late civil rights activist and Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.).
“Our actions will be their legacies,” Philonise Floyd said. “Please join me in a moment of silence to honor George and the many other souls we lost to hate and injustice. And when this moment ends, let’s make sure we never stop saying their names.”
