#George Floyd’s daughter to get full scholarship to Texas Southern University

Enlarge Image

George Floyd, who died in Minneapolis police custody, is seen with his daughter Gianna
REUTERS

George Floyd’s 6-year-old daughter will get a full ride to Texas Southern University when she graduates from high school, the school announced this week.

The historically black university in Floyd’s hometown of Houston said the offer is a gesture, which came Tuesday, the day of his funeral, that “honors the memory of George Floyd on the day that he is laid to eternal rest,” CBS News reported.

“Mr. Floyd was a lifelong citizen of the Third Ward and a revered graduate of Jack Yates High School,” TSU said on the school’s Facebook page. “The Board (of Regents), in conjunction with the TSU Foundation Board, has approved a fund to provide a full scholarship for Floyd’s beloved daughter, Gianna.”

Floyd, 46, died May 25 while being pinned down by police in Minneapolis, repeatedly pleading, “I can’t breathe.” His death has sparked worldwide protests and calls for racial justice, and has spawned a campaign to “defund” police departments.

A public viewing on Monday drew thousands to a Houston church, as did a celebrity-filled funeral service on Tuesday. Friends and family have said that Floyd doted over his daughter.

In an interview on “Good Morning America” last week, Gianna’s mom, Roxie Washington, said she’s sheltered her daughter from the grim details of his death.

Gerald Smith, chairman of the TSU Foundation, said it was “found to provide this privately-funded scholarship” for the girl.

“We know the value of an education in the pursuit of solutions and operational progress,” he said in a statement. “We look forward to embracing her into the TSU family.”

Last week, rapper Kanye West announced he was setting up a college fund for the girl.