Honoring the Life and Legacy of George Floyd at George Floyd Square

**George Perry Floyd Jr.** was born on October 14, 1973, in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He grew up in Houston's Third Ward, where he was raised by his mother following his parents' divorce. Floyd was known as "Perry" to his friends and family, who described him as a "gentle giant" due to his height of 6 ft 4 in[1][3]. He excelled in sports, particularly football and basketball, during his high school years at Jack Yates Senior High School[4]. Floyd pursued a career in hip-hop, performing with DJ Screw and his Screwed Up Click under the name "Big Floyd," contributing to the popularization of the "chopped and screwed" style[4]. He also worked various jobs, including as a truck driver and nightclub bouncer, and was involved with a local Christian ministry to help his community[4]. However, Floyd faced challenges, including multiple arrests and a prison sentence for armed robbery[1][3]. On May 25, 2020, George Floyd's life was tragically cut short during an arrest by Minneapolis police. The event, captured on video, sparked widespread protests against police brutality and systemic racism, becoming a pivotal moment in the Black Lives Matter movement[1][2]. His death led to significant calls for police reform and racial justice, with his name becoming synonymous with these causes[5][6]. Today, George Floyd's legacy continues to inspire movements for racial justice and police reform. His story has been documented in books and exhibitions, highlighting the systemic issues faced by Black Americans and the impact of his death on the global conversation about racial equality[5][7]. Despite his tragic end, Floyd's life and legacy serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and equality.