McGee: He loved this place
The name George Floyd is a name to never forget. It is one that brings feelings of sorrow and heartbreak amongst most, but also of change and movement. Floyd was a black man who was killed by former police officer Derek Chauvin in May 2020. He was handcuffed and pinned down on his neck by the police officer’s knee for several minutes to the point where Floyd stressed multiple times that he was unable to breathe. His pleads were ignored by all four officers at the scene and as a result, this led to the death and murder of George Floyd.
In honor of TAMUK alumnus George Floyd and the movement that followed, Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK) dedicated and hosted a symposium open to all, in which two guest speakers attended and spoke on social injustice. Members of Floyd’s family were in attendance.
Shareeduh McGee, first cousin to Floyd, attended the event, along with her sister and mother.
“Anytime that we see anything positive in light of the tragic way he was taken from us makes us feel good and it’s even more touching because he was a part of this university,” McGee said.
Floyd attended Texas A&M University-Kingsville during the 1995-1996 school year and part of 1997. He played football during his time in Kingsville. “He loved this place when he was here, so having this university honor him is very special,” McGee said.
The symposium consisted of two speakers who had two very different takes on the perspectives and reflections of the movement that followed the unjustifiable death of Floyd.
“To hear their conversations and the suggestions that they made on how we can all get involved and all be a part of the change we want to see felt good,” McGee said. “I was moved by what they were saying.”
McGee stresses the importance of voting as an opportunity to use our voice to impact future legislation.
“I would say that getting out and voting, registering to vote, helping to get other people registered and just lobbying for those things are important to make sure that we see the changes that we need so that we have true social justice and equity,” McGee said.
Since his passing, his family has been committed to advocating against police brutality and promoting human rights with the George Floyd Foundation.