Floyd grew up in Houston’s Third Ward and was killed in the custody of the Minneapolis Police Department on May 25. A video of his death, as well as the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and other black Americans, has prompted days of demonstrations across the country and sparked conversations about police violence and systemic racism.
"We must never forget the name George Floyd or the global movement he has inspired," Hidalgo said in a statement. "George Floyd's death, and the deaths of Breonna Taylor, Sandra Bland, Tamir Rice, Ahmaud Arbery, and too many others have sparked a national conversation about race and police brutality. It has taken far too long for us to get here, but we must lean forward and work to make meaningful change in our nation. No family should lose another loved one in such a senseless way."
Floyd's public visitation and memorial service June 8 at The Fountain of Praise Church in southwest Houston garnered thousands of attendees who came from around the county and the world to pay their respects. Among those in attendance were Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner.
George Perry Floyd, Jr. Day also coincides with the Harris County Commissioners Court meeting, during which court members are expected to consider 11 items related to criminal justice reform. While the meeting began at 10 a.m., the court will take a break until 2:30 p.m. to attend Floyd's funeral.
"Systematic racism has no place in Harris County," Hidalgo said. "As county judge, I will continue working towards meaningful and lasting reforms to the criminal justice system and policing."
