George Floyd came to Minnesota seeking a new beginning — a chance to grow, improve his life, and become a better father.
George Though the world now knows him by his full name, those closest to him simply called him Floyd.
George He worked as a security guard at a local restaurant, where he became known as someone you could count on — always ready to support others, especially in their lowest moments.
George Floyd was 46 years old when he died on May 25, 2020, in Minneapolis — the city he had moved to in hopes of building a better life. While being detained by police, a Minneapolis officer knelt on his neck as Floyd lay on the ground. In the widely seen video of the incident, Floyd can be heard crying out in pain and saying he couldn’t breathe. Eventually, his eyes closed, his voice fell silent, and he was later pronounced dead.
George The harrowing footage of Floyd’s final moments became a powerful symbol of how Black Americans have long described their treatment by the U.S. criminal justice system — dehumanized and denied basic dignity. His death sparked a global outcry, fueling protests across cities and countries that continued for weeks in 2020, demanding justice and systemic change.
In the five years since Floyd’s death, many have continued to reflect on his life, the impact of his loss, and the voices raised in response. As Minneapolis prepares to commemorate the anniversary with vigils and community gatherings, CNN looks back on some of the statements made then and in the years that followed.
A coachable kid with a big heart
“He was a solid athlete — usually scoring 12 to 14 points a game.”
Among all the athletes on the team, she said Floyd stood out the most — not just for his abilities, but for his energy and spirit.
Gloria also noted Floyd’s sense of accountability. “He never tried to shift blame onto others when things went wrong,” she said. “He took responsibility for his actions and always worked to improve.”
He recalled how George would make banana and mayonnaise sandwiches — and sometimes syrup sandwiches — for their siblings.
In the neighborhood, everybody loved him — he just had a way of lifting people up.”
A father striving for more
He took jobs, including truck driving, to better support himself and his family, according to his friend, former NBA player Stephen Jackson.
Jackson, who also grew up in Houston, referred to Floyd as his “twin” — a reflection of their deep bond.
Jackson said Floyd was known in the community as a protector and provider — someone who carried no hate in his heart. “He got along with everyone,” Jackson said. “And when he helped others, he never expected anything in return.”
After Floyd relocated to Minnesota, Jackson said he often spoke about his determination to build a better life.
“The last time I spoke to him was about a year before he passed,” Jackson said. “And every conversation during that time was focused on growth — how we could become better men and better fathers. That was always on his mind.”
“I want justice for his children,” Jackson added. “I want to see them cared for, because their father is no longer here to do it himself.”
Stephen Jackson pledged to stand by George Floyd’s children, promising to “step in” where Floyd no longer could, and to ensure they’re cared for and supported.
“I’ll make sure she knows what kind of man he was,” Hudson said. All I have to offer now are the memories — the stories of her grandfather’s love.”
Floyd spent five years working security at Conga Latin Bistro, a Minneapolis restaurant known for its Spanish and Latin cuisine. The owner, Jovanni Thunstrom, said their relationship went beyond work — they were friends.
He remembered the shock he felt watching the video of Floyd’s death. But then, reality hit me hard.”
“He was a genuinely good guy — friendly, respectful, and always willing to help.”
Floyd’s girlfriend, Courteney Ross, recalled his compassion for people society often overlooked. “He stood up for those going through hard times. “We prayed together — over meals, in tough moments, and even in the joyful ones.”
Outrage spread far beyond those who knew him
The heartbreak and anger following Floyd’s death extended well beyond his inner circle. Public figures and everyday people across the world responded with grief and fury.
NBA star LeBron James voiced his outrage by sharing a powerful side-by-side image on Instagram. The other showed NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick kneeling in peaceful protest during the national anthem at a 2016 preseason game.
At the time, Colin Kaepernick explained his decision to kneel during the national anthem by stating that he could not show respect for a flag representing a nation.
LeBron James echoed that sentiment years later, posting a powerful image with the caption: “Do you understand NOW!!??!!?? Or is it still blurred to you?? #StayWoke.”
Other sports icons also voiced their anguish and solidarity. Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton, basketball legend Michael Jordan, and Kaepernick himself all condemned Floyd’s killing and honored his life in public statements.
Just three days after Floyd’s death, rapper and actor Ice Cube backed out of a scheduled appearance on Good Morning America, stating: “With what happened in Minnesota to George Floyd, I don’t feel like telling America ‘good morning.’”
Family says officers failed to intervene
Floyd’s death ignited a global wave of protest. They filled streets and squares, raised handmade signs, chanted for justice, and reignited the Black Lives Matter movement.
Some gatherings remained peaceful, while others escalated into unrest. In response, Minnesota deployed over 500 National Guard members to Minneapolis, St. Paul, and nearby communities to help manage the surging demonstrations.
Floyd’s family was among the earliest and most vocal in demanding accountability. While the officers involved were quickly fired, his relatives insisted that justice required much more. Over time, they emerged as national voices for police reform, connecting with other families affected by racial violence and advocating for legislative change.
“They were supposed to protect and serve, but I didn’t see a single one of them try to save him,” said Tera Brown, Floyd’s cousin, in a 2020 CNN interview. “While he was pleading for his life, not one of them stepped in. Not one even tried.”
Derek Chauvin—the ex-officer who knelt on Floyd’s neck—was sentenced to over 20 years in prison on multiple counts, including a federal conviction for violating Floyd’s civil rights, and state convictions for unintentional second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and manslaughter.
Thomas Lane and J. Alexander Kueng, who helped hold Floyd down, along with Tou Thao, who prevented bystanders from intervening, were all found guilty in federal court of infringing on Floyd’s constitutional rights and failing to stop Chauvin during the fatal restraint. Their federal prison terms range from two and a half years to just under four years.
Each of the three men also received separate state sentences—ranging from three years to more than four years—for aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter.
“True justice in this country will come,” said civil rights attorney Ben Crump in 2021, “when Black men, Black women, and people of color no longer live with the constant fear of being killed by law enforcement simply because of the color of their skin.”
When Floyd’s family heard the verdict in Derek Chauvin’s state trial, they described the moment as a breath of fresh air—a monumental relief.
“He taught me how to stand tall. He showed me the meaning of respect. I’ll miss him deeply, but now I know his name is forever etched in history.
Though the verdict offered a measure of closure, Philonise Floyd emphasized that the struggle for justice had expanded far beyond his brother’s case.
“I’m fighting for people everywhere across the globe.”