The first memorial service for George Floyd took place this afternoon in Minneapolis.
It was held at North Central University’s Sanctuary.
Floyd, who died after former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin pressed his knee into his neck was remembered as a 46-year-old father who didn’t die in vain.
Chauvin has since been charged with 2nd degree murder while three other officers involved have been charged with aiding and abetting murder.
Floyd Family Attorney Ben Crump was one of the speakers at today’s ceremony.
“It was not the coronavirus pandemic that killed George Floyd,” he said. “I want to make it clear – on the record – it was that other pandemic that we’re far too familiar with in America, that pandemic of racism and discrimination that killed George Floyd.”
A civil rights investigation has been launched into the Minneapolis police department
Crump says today’s memorial should serve to be a plea for justice that we don’t let Floyd’s death be in vain.
Dr. Scott Hagen, the University’s president announced the George Floyd Memorial Scholarship and challenged every other university President in America to do likewise in setting up their own.
More memorial services are being held for Floyd on Saturday in North Carolina, and Tuesday in Texas.