Roxie Washington, the mother of George Floyd’s 6-year-old daughter, tearfully spoke out at Minneapolis City Hall on Tuesday, saying Floyd was a loving and devoted father who continued to provide for their family before his death at the hands of police.
Washington, who was accompanied by her lawyers and retired NBA player Stephen Jackson — who was Floyd’s childhood friend — emotionally shared that Floyd’s life consisted of more than his final moments beneath a Minneapolis police officer’s knee. Next to her stood their daughter, Gianna. “I want justice for him because he was good,” Washington said. “He loved (Gianna) so much.” Washington said the officers still get to go home to their family but Floyd won’t be able to see Gianna graduate or walk her down the aisle. Jackson said he would be there to walk her down the aisle instead.
The family flew in earlier Tuesday from Houston joined by Stewart Trial Attorneys based in Atlanta. “We just want to show the world that George Floyd is not just a name, not just a meme and not just something to be chanted,” attorney Justin Miller said. “George Floyd was a real person. He was a good person. And these are the people that loved him.” Their appearance came on the day thousands of peaceful protesters filled the front lawn of the Capitol in St. Paul on Tuesday, mourning the death of Floyd at the hands of police and demanding change.
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