George Perry Floyd Jr. (1973-2020) was an African American man whose death sparked global protests against police brutality and racial injustice. Born in Fayetteville, North Carolina, he grew up in Houston, Texas. Known to family and friends as "Perry" and "Big Floyd," he excelled in football and basketball in high school and college. Floyd also was involved in the Houston hip-hop scene. He had five children and two grandchildren.
In 2014, Floyd moved to Minneapolis, seeking a fresh start where he worked as a truck driver and bouncer. His life took a tragic turn on May 25, 2020, when he was murdered during an arrest. Police apprehended Floyd for allegedly using a counterfeit $20 bill. During the arrest, a white police officer knelt on Floyd's neck for over nine minutes, causing his death. Floyd's last words, "I can't breathe," became a rallying cry for the Black Lives Matter movement and spurred widespread demonstrations. His death continues to be a catalyst for social change, memorialized in art, literature, and education.