Former NBA star Stephen Jackson recently spoke on the death of his close friend George Floyd, a Black Minnesota resident who was murdered by Minnesota Police. Jackson promised to support Gianna Floyd, George’s 6-year-old daughter, and also shared her official GoFundMe page.
In a short statement at Minneapolis City Hall, Stephen Jackson spoke fondly of his deceased friend, promising to take care of Gianna and her mother Roxie Washington, and that he would keep fighting to get justice for Floyd. “There’s a lot of stuff you said that he’s gonna miss — that I’m gonna be there for,” said Jackson to Washington.
“I’m gonna walk her down the aisle. I’m gonna be there for her. I’m gonna be here to wipe your tears. I’m gonna be here for you and Gigi. Floyd might not be here, but I’m here for her, I’m here to get justice, and we’re gonna get justice for my brother,” continued Jackson. “We’re not leaving, we’re gonna keep fighting, we’re gonna send [Floyd] home in beautiful ways this week. But I’m telling you: We are not leaving, we are gonna demand justice.”
George Floyd was 46 when he was murdered by the Minneapolis Police Department on May 25 when an officer knelt on his neck for several minutes, despite him repeatedly saying that he could not breathe. Four officers were fired for their parts in Floyd’s murder and the former officer who was filmed pressing his knee onto Floyd’s neck for several minutes has since been charged with murder and manslaughter. The other three former officers on the scene of Floyd’s murder have also been charged.
The video of George Floyd’s extrajudicial execution has since triggered protests against police brutality and systemic racism across the nation and around the world. On his Instagram page, Stephen Jackson shared the link to Gianna Floyd’s GoFundMe page. Jackson also posted a bittersweet clip of Gianna sitting on his shoulders and saying of her late father with a smile: “Daddy changed the world.” He captioned the post: “That’s right GiGi “Daddy changed the world” 😢😢😢😢😢 George Floyd the name of change. #justiceforgeorgefloyd #ivehadenough Love to all who have love for all ✊🏿✊🏻✊🏾✊🏼✊🏽✊.”
