George Floyd’s brother, Philonise Floyd, wept during the last memorial service as thousands of mourners lined up to pay their respects.
He was also joined by the relatives of Ahmaud Arbery, Eric Garner, and other victims of police brutality.
“It just hurts a lot,” Philonise expressed as he broke down in tears outside The Fountain of Praise Church. “Just being here, talking, it’s pain.”
46-year-old Floyd passed away while saying ‘I can’t breathe’ as a police officer knelt on his neck for around nine minutes in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The incident was filmed and shared on social media, prompting weeks of protests all over the world.
“Just being here, thinking about my brother, he’s a gentle giant,” Philonise expressed. “He had his life taken away when it shouldn’t have been. He should’ve been here, speaking on someone else’s behalf right now.”
He also recalled growing up with his brother in a ‘houseful of love’ and said George was a ‘huge role model for a lot of people.’
Philonise thanked the relatives of Pamela Turner, Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner and Ahmaud Arbery. “I thank y’all for coming out so much to support us, And all the families that are here with me today – Michael Brown, Eric Garner, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor – it just hurts,” he said.
“We will get justice. We will get it. We will not let this door close.”
George’s younger brother, Rodney Floyd, also spoke to thousands of mourners as Rev. Al Sharpton tried to comfort Philonise.
“We’re all getting tired of seeing the same routine play out daily by the police in every state, and I’m just happy we’re united on that front,” Roger said, adding that his brother was “such a wonderful man, father, human being and he gives the best advice on anything.”
He added: “If he was told he would have to sacrifice his life to bring the world together, and knowing him, I know he would’ve did it.”
Eric Garner’s mother, Gwen Carr, also took to the podium and called for action and reform within law enforcement.
“I stand in solidarity with the family because it mimics my case and this is personal to me,” she said. “They have doubled back and claimed another life by a chokehold. That’s why we have to fight for justice. This family is hurting now, like I’ve hurt – my hurt doesn’t go away.”
Garner passed away after an NYPD officer placed him in a chokehold during a 2014 arrest. He pleaded “I can’t breathe’ at least ten times while cops pinned him to the ground. His death triggered outrage over police brutality.
Carr added: “My son said he couldn’t breathe – 11 times he said he can’t breathe. Floyd said he could not breathe and called for his mother. He was calling for all mothers!”
25-year-old Ahmad Arbery’s father, Marcus Arbery Sr.point 320 |
, also said: “I’m the father of Ahmaub Arbery, my son that was lynched…I just had to come support the Floyd family.point 108 | I feel what they’re going through because I’ve lost a loved one.point 173 | But my son was lynched by two white men, so I’m just letting you all know the fight must go on.point 256 |
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The father of 18-year-old Michael Brown, who was shot dead by a police officer, and the sister of 27-year-old Bothman Jean, who was killed inside his home by a neighboring cop, also took turns speaking to the crowd of mourners.
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