Home » George Floyd’s Family Leads Fifth Anniversary Commemoration in Houston

George Floyd’s Family Leads Fifth Anniversary Commemoration in Houston

On May 25, 2025, George Floyd’s family returned to Houston’s Third Ward to honor the fifth anniversary of his death, which ignited a global movement for racial justice. Gathering at the Cuney Homes community center, siblings Philonise, LaTonya, and Zsa Zsa Floyd were joined by civil rights leaders, including Rev. Al Sharpton and attorney Ben Crump, as well as local officials. The commemoration included a private service at Floyd’s gravesite and public calls to continue the fight against systemic racism and for police reform. Sharpton emphasized the ongoing nature of the struggle, stating, “The struggle is a marathon, not a sprint,” and criticized efforts to reverse progress on civil rights. The event underscored the enduring impact of Floyd’s death and the commitment to achieving justice in his name.

The day began with a private memorial service at Houston Memorial Gardens, where Floyd is buried. Family members, including his siblings and niece Brooke Williams, gathered alongside Sharpton and Crump to pay their respects. Williams reflected on her uncle’s legacy, stating, “I feel like it took nine minutes and 29 seconds to change the world, but it takes for us to be the change that we want to see.”

Following the graveside service, the family hosted a community celebration at Cuney Homes, the public housing complex where Floyd was raised. The event featured music, food, and activities aimed at fostering unity and remembrance. Attendees included local residents, activists, and officials who shared memories of Floyd and discussed ongoing efforts to address racial disparities.

Sharpton, speaking at the event, drew parallels between Floyd’s death and that of Emmett Till, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance against systemic injustice. He criticized recent federal actions perceived as setbacks to civil rights advancements, including the rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and the abandonment of consent decrees with police departments in Minneapolis and Louisville.

Attorney Ben Crump echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of sustained advocacy. He urged the community to remain engaged in the fight for justice, stating that honoring Floyd’s legacy requires persistent effort to enact meaningful change.

LaTonya Floyd, George’s sister, shared personal reflections on her brother’s life and the pain of his absence. She described visiting his grave annually, singing REO Speedwagon’s “I’ll Keep on Loving You,” a tradition that symbolizes her enduring love and grief. LaTonya also spoke about her journey toward forgiveness, noting that she chose to forgive Derek Chauvin, the officer convicted of her brother’s murder, as a step toward personal peace.

The commemoration events in Houston were part of a broader series of memorials held across the country, including gatherings at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis. These events served as both tributes to Floyd’s life and calls to action, emphasizing the need for continued efforts to address systemic racism and promote equity.

As the fifth anniversary of George Floyd’s death was observed, his family and supporters reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing justice and fostering change. The events in Houston highlighted the enduring impact of Floyd’s life and the collective resolve to ensure that his death was not in vain.

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