MINNEAPOLIS — George Floyd’s kin fought back tears Tuesday as they hailed the conviction of ex-cop Derek Chauvin in the 42-year-old black man’s death — saying it wasn’t just a victory for them but for the world.
“What a day to be a Floyd, man,’’ brother Terrence Floyd said at a press conference — as civil-rights heavyweights Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton looked on.
Attorney Ben Crump, Philonise Floyd, brother of George Floyd, Brandon Williams, nephew of George Floyd, and Rodney Floyd, brother of George Floyd, attend a news conference outside the Hennepin County Government Center.John Minchillo/APRaising his fist to Heaven, Terrence said of his late brother, “I’m grateful and I’m proud of him.
“I’m gonna miss him, but now he’s part of history.’’
Another brother, Philonise Floyd, wiped away tears as he talked about Emmett Till, a 14-year-old black boy who was murdered in a lynching in Mississippi in 1955.
Philonise Floyd, left, and Rodney Floyd, right, brothers of George Floyd, lock arms during a prayer. John Minchillo/AP“People forgot about him, but he was the first George Floyd.’’ Philonise said.
The sibling said that watching the cell-phone footage at trial of his brother gasping for air and crying for their mother while the white cop had his knee on the dad’s neck for more than 9 minutes was excruciating.
It was like “a motion picture,’’ and the world was “seeing his life extinguished,’’ Philonise said.
Outside the courtroom after the verdict, the sibling said he had been “praying’’ for a guilty verdict.
Trembling and weeping as the judge read the Minnesota’s jury’s decision, Philonise told reporters minutes later, “I was just praying they would find him guilty,’’ according to KNKX public radio.
“As an African American, we usually never get justice,’’ the sibling said.
He said at the later press conference, “I feel relieved today that I finally have the opportunity for hopefully getting some sleep.’’
Also at the briefing was George Floyd’s young daughter, Gianna.
Rodney Floyd, brother of George Floyd, center, stands with the Rev. Al Sharpton, right, as they pray during a news conference outside the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis. John Minchillo/APFloyd’s family vowed to continue the fight for racial equality.
“We have to march for life. We have to protest. Because it seems this is a never-ending cycle,’’ Philonise said.
“Justice for George means justice for all.’’
One of the family’s lawyers, Ben Crump, added, “This is a victory for those who champion humanity over inhumanity.
“America, let’s frame this moment,’’ Crump said. “Have the moment where we finally are getting close to living up to our Declaration of Independence that we hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equally.’’
