A mural honoring the life and memory of George Floyd was unveiled on Saturday (February 6) during a private ceremony with members of his family.
“I’m just overwhelmed today. I thank you all so much this is beautiful. The murals...it’s just amazing,” George’s sister Latoya Floyd said, per KPRC 2 News.
The mural spans two blocks along Alabama Street in front of George’s high school alma mater, Jack Yates High School in Houston, Texas.
Jonah Elijah is the artist who created the mural with the help from local volunteers.
Along the street are the words “Black Lives Matter” painted in crimson and gold, a nod to the school’s colors.
“We also have George Floyd’s jersey and on the other end…, we have the Yates’ lion and it says, ‘[T]he Lions United [T]ogether],” Elijah explained.
Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis commissioned the mural along with the Houston Society for Change, and a nonprofit organization formed by some of George’s football teammates at Yates.
US Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee attended the ceremony and presented Elijah with an award for his artistic vision.
“Your efforts are most deserving of the respect, admiration, and commendation of the United States Congress,” she said.
During the ceremony, there was a ribbon-cutting, balloon release and motorcycle procession guided by the Texas State University drumline.
“This means a lot to my family and I know it would mean a lot to my uncle,” George’s niece Bianca Williams said. “Continue to stand with us. This is the beginning of a long fight, united together stronger than ever.”
Photo: Getty Images