#George Floyd’s brother leads moment of silence on first night of DNC

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Rodney and Philonise Floyd, brothers of George Floyd
Democratic National Convention/POOL via REUTERS

George Floyd’s brother led a moment of silence in a video broadcast Monday on the opening nigh of the virtual Democratic National Convention.

“George had a giving spirit. A spirit that has shown up on the streets around our nation and around the world,” said Philonise Floyd.

Floyd died in May after Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes. Chauvin is charged with murder and three colleagues were fired and charged as accessories.

Philonise Floyd was introduced at the DNC by DC Mayor Muriel Bowswer. He appeared with another family member who did not speak, and who was not identified.

“My brother George was selfless. He always made sacrifices for his family, friends and even complete strangers,” said Philonise Floyd, who testified to Congress in June about the death of his brother, which triggered national unrest.

In his remarks, Philonise Floyd asked viewers to “please join me in a moment of silence to honor George and the many other souls we lost to hate and injustice. And when this moment ends, let’s makes sure we never stop saying their names.”

He mentioned several other cases of people killed by police or in allegedly racially motivated encounters, including Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Eric Garner, Stephon Clark, Tatiana Jefferson and Sandra Bland.

“People of all races, all ages, all genders, all backgrounds peacefully protesting in the name of love and unity is a fitting legacy for our brother, but George should be alive today,” he said.