History of George Floyd in Timeline

George Floyd Jr., an African American man, was killed by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin on May 25, 2020. Chauvin knelt on Floyd's neck for over nine minutes, leading to his death from asphyxiation. This incident, sparked by a clerk's suspicion of a counterfeit bill, ignited global protests against police brutality and racial injustice. Floyd's final words, "I can't breathe," became a powerful symbol of the fight for equality.

1964: Bob Dylan Releases "Only a Pawn in Their Game"

In 1964, Bob Dylan released "Only a Pawn in Their Game," a song reflecting on the murder of civil rights activist Medgar Evers. This song later inspired John Mellencamp's "A Pawn in the White Man's Game" in response to George Floyd's murder.

1968: Mellencamp's Music Video Removed from YouTube

John Mellencamp created a music video for his song "A Pawn in the White Man's Game," which incorporated footage from protests and police brutality in both 1968 and 2020. YouTube removed the video for violating their community guidelines.

October 14, 1973: Birth of George Floyd

George Floyd was born on October 14, 1973, in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

1992: Yates High School Football Team's Success

In 1992, George Floyd's football team at Yates High School achieved a significant milestone by reaching the Texas state championships.

1993: Graduation from Yates High School

In 1993, George Floyd graduated from Yates High School.

1994: Start of Music Career with Screwed Up Click

George Floyd's music career began in 1994 when he joined the hip-hop group Screwed Up Click as a rapper, using the alias Big Floyd.

1995: Return to Houston and Entry into Music

After his time in college, George Floyd returned to Houston in 1995 and embarked on a career in music. He became involved in the hip-hop scene, performing under the stage name Big Floyd.

1995: College Transfer and Basketball Pursuit

George Floyd transferred to Texas A&M University–Kingsville in 1995, where he continued his pursuit of basketball.

1997: Start of Criminal Charges

In 1997, George Floyd began facing a series of criminal charges that would lead to multiple jail terms over the following eight years.

2000: Release of "Block Party" Album

In 2000, George Floyd was part of the Presidential Playas rap group, which released the album "Block Party" that year.

2004: Conviction for Drug Possession

George Floyd was convicted of drug possession in 2004, a case that would later come under scrutiny due to the involvement of a police officer with a history of misconduct.

2004: Drug Raid Leads to Floyd's Conviction

In 2004, George Floyd was arrested following a drug raid. This event led to his criminal conviction, which was later denied a posthumous pardon in 2022.

2005: End of Jail Terms

By 2005, George Floyd had served eight jail terms on various charges, marking the end of this period in his life.

2007: Aggravated Robbery Charges

In 2007, George Floyd faced serious charges for aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon. He was accused of participating in a home invasion where a woman was threatened with a pistol.

2009: Plea Deal and Prison Sentence

In 2009, George Floyd accepted a plea deal and was sentenced to five years in prison for his role in an aggravated robbery.

January 2013: Parole and Release from Prison

George Floyd was paroled and released from prison in January 2013 after serving time for aggravated robbery.

2013: Release from Prison and Mentorship

After serving time for aggravated robbery, George Floyd was paroled in 2013. Following his release, he took on a role as a mentor in his religious community, demonstrating a desire for positive change.

2014: Move to Minneapolis and Job Searching

In 2014, George Floyd relocated to Minneapolis with the aim of rebuilding his life and securing employment. He actively sought work and participated in a rehabilitation program.

August 2017: George Floyd Meets Courteney Ross

George Floyd met Courteney Ross in Minneapolis in August 2017, beginning their relationship.

May 2019: Detainment by Minneapolis Police

In May 2019, George Floyd had an encounter with the Minneapolis police when he was a passenger in a car that was pulled over. He was found with pain pills, but no charges were filed.

2019: Security Work and Connection to Derek Chauvin

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

2019: Investigation into Officer Goines

In 2019, an investigation was launched into police officer Gerald Goines, who was involved in George Floyd's 2004 drug possession case. This investigation uncovered a pattern of evidence fabrication by Goines.

May 25, 2020: Murder of George Floyd

On May 25, 2020, George Floyd was murdered by police officer Derek Chauvin during an arrest in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Chauvin knelt on Floyd's neck for over nine minutes, leading to his death from a lack of oxygen. This event sparked widespread protests and riots against police brutality and racial injustice.

June 4, 2020: Memorial Service for George Floyd Held in Minneapolis

On June 4, 2020, a memorial service was held for George Floyd in Minneapolis, where he was killed. Reverend Al Sharpton delivered the eulogy. This marked the beginning of several services held across the country to mourn Floyd's death.

August 2020: John Mellencamp Releases Song Reflecting on Floyd's Murder

In August 2020, musician John Mellencamp released a song titled "A Pawn in the White Man's Game," which reinterpreted Bob Dylan's "Only a Pawn in Their Game" (1964). Mellencamp's lyrics addressed the racial tensions that erupted in the US following Floyd's death.

September 18, 2020: Minneapolis Designates Street in Honor of George Floyd

On September 18, 2020, The Minneapolis City Council decided to rename the section of Chicago Avenue between 37th and 39th Streets to George Perry Floyd Jr. Place. This section includes the location of Floyd's murder, which had become a makeshift memorial site.

October 6, 2020: Amnesty International Demands Justice for George Floyd

Amnesty International presented US Attorney General William Barr with a letter on October 6, 2020. The letter contained one million signatures from people globally who demanded accountability and justice for George Floyd's murder.

2020: Floyd and Ross Separate

In early 2020, George Floyd and Courteney Ross ended their relationship.

2020: Job Loss and COVID-19 Pandemic

The year 2020 brought significant challenges for George Floyd. He experienced job losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic and faced a decline in his financial situation.

2020: Artists Create Tributes to George Floyd

Throughout 2020, many artists on social media platforms created artwork paying tribute to George Floyd. Shirien Damra's digital illustration became particularly notable, gaining millions of likes on Instagram and inspiring murals and other forms of art.

March 12, 2021: Wrongful Death Lawsuit Settlement

On March 12, 2021, the city council of Minneapolis agreed to a $27 million settlement with George Floyd's family in response to a wrongful death lawsuit.

April 2021: Request for Posthumous Pardon

In April 2021, a request for a posthumous pardon for one of George Floyd's convictions was made due to concerns about the credibility of the police officer involved in the original case.

April 20, 2021: Derek Chauvin Found Guilty

On April 20, 2021, former police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty of the murder of George Floyd. This verdict marked a significant moment in the pursuit of justice for Floyd's death.

May 12, 2021: Judge Allows Harsher Sentencing for Derek Chauvin

On May 12, 2021, Judge Peter Cahill ruled that the prosecution could pursue a longer prison term for Derek Chauvin, who was convicted of murdering George Floyd. This decision was based on the judge's finding that Chauvin acted with "particular cruelty" during the arrest.

May 21, 2021: George Floyd Memorial Foundation Donates to Fayetteville State University

On May 21, 2021, Bridgett Floyd, on behalf of the George Floyd Memorial Foundation, donated $25,000 to Fayetteville State University. The donation, made in Floyd's honor, aimed to support scholarships at the university.

June 25, 2021: Derek Chauvin Sentencing

Derek Chauvin was sentenced to 22 and a half years in prison on June 25, 2021, for the murder of George Floyd.

October 2021: Recommendation for Pardon and Subsequent Withdrawal

The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles recommended a pardon for George Floyd in October 2021. However, this recommendation was later withdrawn due to procedural issues.

December 2021: Withdrawal of Pardon Recommendations

In December 2021, the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles withdrew its recommendation for a pardon for George Floyd, along with other recommendations, citing procedural errors. They indicated an intention to re-evaluate these recommendations.

May 2022: "His Name Is George Floyd" Biography Published

A biography of George Floyd, titled "His Name Is George Floyd," was published in May 2022. Written by Robert Samuels and Toluse Olorunnipa, journalists from The Washington Post, the book delves into Floyd's life and the events that led to his tragic death.