# George Floyd

> African American man who was a victim of police violence in the United States, killed by Derek Chauvin

**Wikidata**: [Q95677819](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q95677819)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Floyd)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/george-floyd

## Summary
George Floyd was an African American man whose death at the hands of police officer Derek Chauvin in 2020 became a catalyst for global protests against racial injustice and police brutality. Known for his roles as a security guard, rapper, and truck driver, Floyd's life and tragic death sparked widespread calls for systemic reform in law enforcement and racial equality.

## Biography
- **Born**: October 14, 1973
- **Nationality**: United States
- **Education**: Attended Texas A&M University–Kingsville
- **Known for**: Victim of police violence that ignited worldwide protests
- **Employer(s)**: Worked as a security guard, truck driver, and rapper affiliated with Screwed Up Click
- **Field(s)**: Security, transportation, music (hip-hop/rapping)

## Contributions
George Floyd's life and death contributed to a global movement advocating for racial justice and police reform. While he did not author academic works or found organizations, his case led to:
- **Legal and Policy Changes**: His death prompted reviews of police practices, including bans on chokeholds and increased accountability measures in multiple U.S. cities.
- **Cultural Impact**: Inspired widespread protests under the "Black Lives Matter" movement, influencing public discourse on systemic racism.
- **Legacy in Media**: His final words, *"I can't breathe,"* became a rallying cry for activists and were referenced in art, music, and political speeches worldwide.

## FAQs
### **What happened to George Floyd?**
George Floyd died on May 25, 2020, after Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for over nine minutes during an arrest. His death was ruled a homicide, and Chauvin was later convicted of murder.

### **What were George Floyd’s occupations?**
Floyd worked in multiple roles, including as a security guard, truck driver, and rapper. He was affiliated with the hip-hop group Screwed Up Click and performed under the nickname "Big Floyd."

### **Where did George Floyd go to school?**
He attended Texas A&M University–Kingsville, a public research university in Texas, though details about his degree or field of study are not specified in the source material.

### **How did George Floyd’s death impact society?**
His death triggered global protests against police brutality and racial inequality, leading to policy reforms, increased scrutiny of law enforcement, and renewed debates about systemic racism in the U.S. and beyond.

### **What was George Floyd’s role in music?**
Floyd was involved in hip-hop as a rapper, associated with the Houston-based group Screwed Up Click. He performed under aliases like "Big Floyd" and "Floyd the Landlord."

## Why They Matter
George Floyd’s death became a turning point in the fight against racial injustice, forcing institutions to confront systemic racism. His case:
- **Galvanized Movements**: Energized the Black Lives Matter movement, leading to one of the largest protest waves in U.S. history.
- **Changed Policies**: Accelerated reforms in policing, including restrictions on use-of-force tactics and calls for defunding or restructuring police departments.
- **Shifted Public Consciousness**: Highlighted the disproportionate violence faced by Black Americans, prompting corporate, educational, and governmental acknowledgments of racial disparities.
- **Global Reverberations**: Inspired solidarity protests worldwide, from Europe to Africa, amplifying conversations about racism and colonial legacies.

## Notable For
- **Symbol of Racial Justice**: His death became a defining moment in the modern civil rights movement.
- **Catalyst for Protests**: Sparked the largest civil rights demonstrations in U.S. history, with millions participating globally.
- **Legal Precedent**: Chauvin’s conviction marked a rare instance of a police officer being held accountable for killing a Black civilian.
- **Cultural References**: His name and final words were immortalized in murals, songs, and political speeches.
- **Affiliation with Screwed Up Click**: Contributed to Houston’s hip-hop scene under the nickname "Big Floyd."
- **Educational Background**: Attended Texas A&M University–Kingsville, a notable institution in South Texas.

## Body

### **Early Life and Education**
George Perry Floyd Jr. was born on October 14, 1973. He attended Texas A&M University–Kingsville, a public research university founded in 1925 and part of the Texas A&M University System since 1989. The university, located in Kingsville, Texas, is classified as a doctoral institution with moderate research activity.

### **Career and Occupations**
Floyd held multiple jobs throughout his life, reflecting his versatility:
- **Security Guard**: Worked in roles protecting assets, a common profession in the U.S.
- **Truck Driver**: Earned a living as a commercial vehicle operator.
- **Rapper**: Performed hip-hop music, affiliated with the Houston-based group **Screwed Up Click**, which emerged in the 1990s. He used stage names like **"Big Floyd"** and **"Floyd the Landlord."**
- **Basketball Player**: Engaged in sports, though details about his level of play are not specified.

### **Death and Aftermath**
On **May 25, 2020**, Floyd died during an arrest in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Police officer **Derek Chauvin** knelt on his neck for **nine minutes and 29 seconds**, despite Floyd’s repeated pleas that he couldn’t breathe. The incident was recorded by bystanders, and the video spread rapidly online, igniting outrage.

#### **Legal Proceedings**
- Chauvin was charged with **second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter**.
- In **April 2021**, Chauvin was convicted on all counts, a rare outcome in cases involving police violence against Black individuals.
- Three other officers present at the scene were also charged and later convicted of aiding and abetting.

#### **Global Impact**
- **Protests**: Cities across the U.S. and internationally saw mass demonstrations under the **Black Lives Matter** banner.
- **Policy Changes**: Many municipalities banned chokeholds, mandated body cameras, and reevaluated police funding.
- **Cultural Legacy**: Floyd’s name became synonymous with the fight against racial injustice. Murals, memorials, and public art honoring him appeared worldwide.

### **Personal Life and Aliases**
Floyd was known by several names:
- **George Perry Floyd Jr.** (legal name)
- **Big Floyd** (rapper alias)
- **Floyd the Landlord** (another nickname)

### **Affiliations and Connections**
- **Screwed Up Click**: A Houston hip-hop collective known for its influence on Southern rap.
- **Texas A&M University–Kingsville**: His alma mater, a mid-sized public university with a focus on undergraduate education.

### **Legacy and Influence**
Floyd’s death forced a reckoning with systemic racism in policing and beyond. His case:
- **Inspired Legislative Action**: The **George Floyd Justice in Policing Act** was introduced in Congress to address police misconduct.
- **Shifted Corporate Responses**: Companies pledged billions to racial equity initiatives, and sports leagues allowed protests during national anthems.
- **Educational Reforms**: Schools and universities incorporated anti-racism curricula and diversity training.
- **Artistic Tributes**: Musicians, filmmakers, and writers created works in his memory, ensuring his story endured in cultural narratives.

### **Media and Public Perception**
- **Documentaries and Films**: Multiple productions explored his life and the broader context of racial injustice.
- **Social Media**: Hashtags like **#GeorgeFloyd** and **#ICantBreathe** trended globally, amplifying calls for justice.
- **Memorials**: A foundation in his name was established to support community initiatives and scholarships.

### **Controversies and Debates**
While Floyd’s death united many in condemning police brutality, it also sparked debates about:
- **Police Reform vs. Abolition**: Some advocated for defunding police, while others pushed for incremental reforms.
- **Media Representation**: Discussions arose about how Floyd’s personal history was portrayed in news coverage.
- **Global Solidarity**: Protests extended to countries with their own histories of racial discrimination, highlighting universal struggles.

### **Final Words and Symbolism**
Floyd’s last words, **"I can’t breathe,"** echoed earlier cases of police violence (e.g., Eric Garner in 2014) and became a powerful symbol of oppression and resistance. The phrase was chanted at protests, printed on signs, and referenced in political speeches, cementing its place in the lexicon of civil rights.

### **Ongoing Impact**
Years after his death, Floyd’s case continues to influence:
- **Police Training**: Departments revised use-of-force policies and de-escalation techniques.
- **Community Policing**: Efforts to build trust between law enforcement and marginalized communities intensified.
- **Historical Narratives**: His story is now taught in schools as part of discussions on racial justice and civil rights.

George Floyd’s life and death remain a pivotal chapter in the ongoing struggle for equality, ensuring his name is remembered not just as a victim, but as a catalyst for change.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2020/05/28/george-floyd-remembered-gentle-giant-family-calls-death-murder/5265668002/)
2. [Source](https://www.lemonde.fr/international/article/2020/05/27/quatre-policiers-limoges-apres-la-mort-d-un-noir-lors-de-son-interpellation-aux-etats-unis_6040859_3210.html)
3. Czech National Authority Database
4. [Source](https://www.law.umaryland.edu/News-and-Events/Maryland-Carey-Law-News/Maryland-Carey-Law-Statement-on-the-Killing-of-Black-and-Brown-People.php)
5. Discogs
6. [Video Of Fatal Arrest Shows Minneapolis Officer Kneeling On George Floyd’s Neck For Several Minutes. CBS. 2020](https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2020/05/26/george-floyd-man-dies-after-being-arrested-by-minneapolis-police-fbi-called-to-investigate/)
7. Virtual International Authority File
8. MusicBrainz
9. [Source](https://www.mprnews.org/story/2020/05/26/friends-family-of-man-who-died-in-mpd-custody-remember-big-floyd)
10. [Find a Grave](https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/210636227)
11. [Source](https://www.startribune.com/boss-remembers-george-floyd-as-a-good-friend-goerson-and-a-good-tenant/570775702/)
12. [2020](https://www.snopes.com/news/2020/06/12/george-floyd-criminal-record/)
13. [Source](https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-52916179)
14. [8 Minutes and 46 Seconds: How George Floyd Was Killed in Police Custody. The New York Times. 2020](https://www.nytimes.com/video/us/100000007159353/george-floyd-arrest-death-video.html)
15. [George Floyd’s death still a homicide despite evidence of medical issues: experts](https://globalnews.ca/news/7029209/george-floyd-autopsy-experts/)
16. [Source](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/06/04/george-floyd-memorial-service-thousands-flock-minneapolis/3142320001/)
17. Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Autopsy Report
18. [Source](https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2020/05/26/george-floyd-man-dies-after-being-arrested-by-minneapolis-police-fbi-called-to-investigate/)
19. [GEORGE FLOYD latest news & coverage](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/topic/george-floyd)