History of George Floyd in Timeline

George Floyd, an African-American man, died on May 25, 2020, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, after police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for over nine minutes during an arrest for allegedly using a counterfeit bill. Floyd's death sparked widespread global protests against police brutality and racial injustice, particularly against Black people. His last words, "I can't breathe," became a rallying cry for the movement. The event led to increased scrutiny of police practices and renewed calls for systemic change.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

1947: Birth of Larcenia "Cissy" Jones Floyd

In 1947, Larcenia "Cissy" Jones Floyd, George Floyd's mother, was born.

1949: Birth of George Perry Floyd Sr.

In 1949, George Perry Floyd Sr., George Floyd's father, was born.

1964: Release of "Only a Pawn in Their Game"

In 1964, Bob Dylan released the song "Only a Pawn in Their Game".

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1968: Footage of Protests and Police Clashing

Footage of Protests and Police Clashing in 1968 was included in John Mellencamp's 2020 Song. "A Pawn in the White Man's Game".

October 14, 1973: George Floyd's Birth

On October 14, 1973, George Perry Floyd Jr. was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Others born on this day/year

1992: Texas State Championships

In 1992, George Floyd's football team at Yates High School went to the Texas state championships.

1993: Graduation from Yates High School

In 1993, George Floyd graduated from Yates High School where he was co-captain of the basketball team and played football.

1994: Start of Rapping Career

Beginning in 1994, George Floyd performed as a rapper under the name Big Floyd in the hip-hop group Screwed Up Click.

1995: Return to Houston

In 1995, George Floyd returned to Houston and became an automotive customizer and played club basketball.

1995: Transfer to Texas A&M University–Kingsville

In 1995, George Floyd transferred to Texas A&M University–Kingsville, where he played basketball before dropping out.

1997: Jail Terms on Various Charges

Beginning in 1997, George Floyd served eight jail terms on various charges, including drug possession, theft, and trespass, until 2005.

1997: Conviction of Crimes

Beginning in 1997, George Floyd was convicted of multiple crimes and served eight jail terms until 2005.

2000: Album Release with Presidential Playas

In 2000, George Floyd worked on the album Block Party, which was released with his rap group Presidential Playas.

2002: Death of George Perry Floyd Sr.

In 2002, George Perry Floyd Sr., George Floyd's father, passed away.

2004: Drug Conviction

In 2004, George Floyd had a drug conviction.

2004: Conviction for Crack Cocaine Possession

In 2004, George Floyd was convicted of possessing half a gram of crack cocaine, based on the testimony of police officer Gerald Goines.

2005: Conviction of Crimes

Ending in 2005, George Floyd had been convicted of multiple crimes and served eight jail terms since 1997.

2005: Jail Terms on Various Charges

Ending in 2005, George Floyd had served eight jail terms on various charges, including drug possession, theft, and trespass, since 1997.

2007: Charges for Aggravated Robbery

In 2007, George Floyd faced charges for aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon after allegedly impersonating a water department worker and entering an apartment with other men to steal items.

2007: Aggravated Robbery Conviction

In 2007, George Floyd was convicted of aggravated robbery and home invasion.

2009: Sentenced to Prison

In 2009, George Floyd was sentenced to five years in prison as part of a plea deal related to the 2007 aggravated robbery charges.

January 2013: Paroled from Prison

In January 2013, George Floyd was paroled after being sentenced to five years in prison for aggravated robbery.

2013: Parole Release

In January 2013, George Floyd was paroled after serving time for aggravated robbery. Following his release, he became a mentor and posted anti-violence videos on social media.

2014: Move to Minneapolis and Rehabilitation Program

In 2014, George Floyd moved to Minneapolis to rebuild his life and completed a 90-day rehabilitation program. He then worked various jobs, including security at a homeless shelter. He also pursued a commercial driver's license but dropped out of the program.

2014: Move to Minneapolis

In 2014, George Floyd moved to the Minneapolis area and worked as a truck driver and bouncer.

August 2017: Met Courteney Ross

In August 2017, George Floyd met his girlfriend Courteney Ross in Minneapolis.

2018: Death of Larcenia "Cissy" Jones Floyd

In 2018, Larcenia "Cissy" Jones Floyd, George Floyd's mother, passed away.

May 2019: Detained by Minneapolis Police

In May 2019, George Floyd was detained by Minneapolis police during a traffic stop. Officers found him with pain pills, but no charges were filed after they called an ambulance out of concern for his condition.

2019: Security Work at El Nuevo Rodeo Club

In 2019, George Floyd worked security at the El Nuevo Rodeo club, where Derek Chauvin also worked off-duty as a security guard.

2019: Investigation of Gerald Goines

In 2019, Gerald Goines was investigated for falsifying evidence, following his involvement in the Harding Street raid. Goines was the police officer who convicted George Floyd in 2004.

May 25, 2020: Murder of George Floyd

On May 25, 2020, George Floyd was murdered by a white police officer, Derek Chauvin, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, after being suspected of using a counterfeit twenty-dollar bill. Chauvin knelt on Floyd's neck for over nine minutes, causing his death by asphyxiation. His dying words, "I can't breathe", became a rallying cry against police brutality.

June 4, 2020: Memorial Service in Minneapolis

On June 4, 2020, a memorial service for George Floyd took place in Minneapolis, where Al Sharpton delivered the eulogy.

August 2020: Release of "A Pawn in the White Man's Game"

In August 2020, musician John Mellencamp released the song "A Pawn in the White Man's Game", a reworking of Bob Dylan's 1964 song "Only a Pawn in Their Game", which reflected on the racial conflicts in the U.S. that followed in the wake of Floyd's murder. The song's video was eventually removed from YouTube.

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September 18, 2020: Designation of George Perry Floyd Jr. Place

On September 18, 2020, the Minneapolis City Council approved designating a section of Chicago Avenue as George Perry Floyd Jr. Place, with a marker at the intersection where the incident took place. A makeshift memorial had emerged there the day after his murder.

October 6, 2020: Demand for Justice by Amnesty International and NAACP

On October 6, 2020, Amnesty International delivered a letter with one million signatures to the US Attorney General to demand justice for George Floyd. The NAACP also voiced support for the protests.

2020: Job Loss During COVID-19 Pandemic

In 2020, George Floyd lost both of his jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020: Job Losses and Hospitalization

In 2020, George Floyd worked as a security guard and delivery driver, but lost the delivery job in January. In March, his personal financial situation worsened when the club closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and he was also hospitalized after overdosing on drugs. In April, he contracted COVID-19.

2020: Social Media Tributes

In 2020, social-media-based artists and activists posted tributes to George Floyd, including a digital illustration by Shirien Damra that gained over 3.4 million likes on Instagram. Other artists creating tributes included Nikkolas Smith, Stormy Nesbit, Dani Coke, Robin Hilkey, and Miriam Mosqueda.

2020: Seperation from Courteney Ross

In early 2020, George Floyd and Courteney Ross separated.

March 12, 2021: Settlement Approved by Minneapolis City Council

On March 12, 2021, the Minneapolis city council approved a $27 million settlement to the Floyd family after a wrongful death lawsuit.

April 2021: Request for Posthumous Pardon

In April 2021, the district attorney of Harris County, Texas, requested a posthumous pardon for George Floyd's 2004 conviction due to Gerald Goines' lack of credibility.

April 20, 2021: Derek Chauvin's Conviction

On April 20, 2021, Derek Chauvin was convicted on two counts of murder and one count of manslaughter for the death of George Floyd.

May 21, 2021: Donation to Fayetteville State University

On May 21, 2021, Bridgett Floyd donated a $25,000 check from the George Floyd Memorial Foundation to Fayetteville State University for scholarships. The city also declared May 25 George Floyd Jr. Day.

June 25, 2021: Derek Chauvin's Sentencing

On June 25, 2021, Derek Chauvin was sentenced to 22 and a half years in prison for the murder of George Floyd. The other three officers at the scene were also later convicted of violating Floyd's civil rights.

October 2021: Recommendation for Posthumous Pardon

In October 2021, the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles recommended that George Floyd be posthumously pardoned for his 2004 conviction.

December 2021: Withdrawal of Pardon Recommendation

In December 2021, the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles withdrew the recommendation for George Floyd's posthumous pardon (and 24 other recommendations), citing "procedural errors and lack of compliance with board rules", but announced that it would reconsider these recommendations.