STORY: :: May 22, 2025

:: As the five-year anniversary of George Floyd’s murder approaches, his cousin tells people 'to not forget'

:: Shareeduh McGee, George Floyd's first cousin

“It's important because it was an ultimate sacrifice and I think if you don't create opportunities for people to learn from it, if we don't have changes that become a cause of, changes that happen because of that huge loss, then it was in vain. His death was in vain. So I think it's extremely important for people you know, to not forget. And I have a responsibility as a blood relative to make sure that I do my part.”

:: Houston, Texas

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:: People gathered at a four-day event meant to honor Floyd's life and promote cultural diversity

“I think his legacy is gonna be on for years and years to come because what happened, you know, it just brought life back to all of us that we need to change. Make a change for the difference and just come together and work together in unity and strengthen. Where there is unity, there is strength.”

McGee spoke at the kickoff of the Movement Festival, a four-day event honoring Floyd and promoting cultural diversity, social justice and economic development, according to organizers, the local Kay Davis In The Community nonprofit and the Floyd family.

Floyd grew up in Houston’s Third Ward, a historically Black neighborhood. In 2014, he moved to Minneapolis.

Chauvin, a white police officer, knelt on Floyd’s neck as Floyd repeatedly pleaded that he couldn't breathe.

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McGee said she had a duty to ensure the public remembers her cousin.

“I think it's extremely important for people to not forget,” McGee said. “And I have a responsibility as a blood relative to make sure that I do my part.”