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In Houston, tears and songs for a final farewell to George Floyd

2020-06-10T16:39:35.328Z


The funeral for the 46-year-old man, who died two weeks ago when he was arrested, took place on Tuesday in Houston. Relive this mo


It was a final tribute to the memory of George Floyd, in the presence of his family, his loved ones. The funeral remains closed to the public, coronavirus requires. But they still had a taste of national homage, while the death of this 46-year-old man sparked a protest movement against police violence and racism. And which now tends to cross borders, when a rally was held, for example, in Paris at the time when the American ceremony began.

It was held in the southern suburbs of Houston, where George Floyd grew up. The meeting was given in the Fountain of Praise Baptist Church , where the family arrived shortly before 6 p.m. French, accompanied by the Reverend Al Sharpton, a civil rights figure from across the Atlantic. Upon arrival, the coffin was greeted by a guard of honor formed by the police.

Leading the family of #GeorgeFloyd into the church for the final memorial service. pic.twitter.com/FBZKya8U89

- Reverend Al Sharpton (@TheRevAl) June 9, 2020

Before the start of the ceremony, a singer, or "mourner", appeared before the coffin of the deceased and the first to arrive in the church.

REUTERS / David J. Phillip  

"It's time to celebrate her life," said Pastor Mia Wright at the very start of the ceremony in the crowded Fountain of Praise Church . And this celebration was first done in song, predominant this Tuesday in Houston. Gospel singer Kim Burrel immediately sang on the microphone "God Will Take Care of You" before reading the biblical texts.

Pastor Kim Burrell sings "God Will Take Care of You" during the funeral for George Floyd on Tuesday, June 9, 2020, at The Fountain of Praise church in Houston. Floyd died after being restrained by Minneapolis Police officers on May 25. Godofredo A. Vasquez / Pool via REUTERS / REUTERS  

Figures from the civil rights movement took turns to pay tribute to the deceased of course, but also to call for "justice", as well as social reform.

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Public figures, too, were seen in the church. This is the case of the actors Channing Tatum and Jamie Foxx, photographed below before the start of the ceremony. Boxer Floyd Mayweather was also present.

The two actors (in the second row), sitting side by side. REUTERS / David J. Phillip  

Political figures, too, have made the trip, such as Al Green, the mayor of Houston Sylvester Turner, or Shelia Jackson Lee, elected Democrat in the House of Representatives. Former Vice President Joe Biden, who had met with George Floyd's family, was unable to attend, as the Secret Service feared his presence would disturb the ceremony. The Democratic candidate for the next American presidential therefore recorded a video message broadcast in the church. "The time for racial justice has come," he said. "When there is justice for George Floyd, we will really be on our way to racial justice in America. And then - as you said, Gianna - your dad will have changed the world. "

Joe Biden delivered a video message broadcast in the church / AFP / Godofredo A. VASQUEZ  

The family concluded the ceremony, very emotional. His aunt, who did not give his identity, thanked everyone, and "the whole world", for "what they did for his family". George Floyd was "a pesky little rascal, but we all loved him," she said.

"He was a pesky little rascal, but we all loved him."

George Floyd's aunt has spoken at his funeral. She says she's "gained such a huge family all over the world" and has thanked people for their support.

Follow live: https://t.co/TDxVdDqS4I pic.twitter.com/YHQdGn6kuj

- SkyNews (@SkyNews) June 9, 2020

Taken by tears, her sister Latonya could not finish. The victim's niece, in a very committed manner, promised to "purge" the police while she was alive. In a very political speech, she made direct reference to Donald Trump. "Someone said 'Make America Great Again' (Donald Trump's campaign slogan in 2016), but has America ever been big? ", She denounced.

LaTonya Floyd in tears during her speech / AFP / David J. Phillip  

Reverend William "Bill" Lawson, similarly, called on him to clean up the White House by going to the polls. "We have lost a loved one and the pain is almost unbearable, what can it be for?" "He continues, explaining that the death of George Floyd has triggered a worldwide movement that will not stop.

After the ceremony, the police invited the public to greet the deceased one last time, on the route of the funeral procession which escorted the coffin to the cemetery. As of Monday, more than 6,000 people have gathered around the church.

Source: leparis

All news articles on 2020-06-10

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