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WHEREAS, George Perry Floyd, Jr., born October 14, 1973, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and raised in Houston, Texas, was a beloved son, father, brother, and friend who sought a better life for himself and his family while inspiring those around him through kindness, perseverance, and faith; and,
WHEREAS, on May 25, 2020, George Floyd’s life was tragically taken in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in an act of senseless violence that became one of the most visible miscarriages of justice in modern American history, igniting a moral reckoning that reverberated across the world; and,
WHEREAS, his final words, “I can’t breathe” became a painful and powerful rallying cry for justice, equality, and accountability, compelling millions of people from all walks of life to take to the streets and demand an end to police brutality, racial discrimination, and the systemic inequities that continue to plague our nation; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Pittsburgh, standing on a legacy of resilience and activism, joins in that global call for change, with residents, organizers, and community leaders coming together to denounce injustice and to reimagine a city rooted in fairness, transparency, and shared humanity; and,
WHEREAS, more than five years later, the struggle for justice remains ongoing, evidenced in the continued disparities faced by Black communities in housing, health care, employment, education, and interactions with the criminal legal system, reminding us that the work of equity and inclusion is not complete; and,
WHEREAS, in this moment in history, when truth and justice are often tested, it is vital for the people of Pittsburgh to remain vigilant, determined, and united in the pursuit of a society where every person is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of race, faith, or background; and,
WHEREAS, George Floyd’s legacy is not only one of tragedy, but of transformation. His death catalyzed movements for reform, reawakened civic consciousness, and reminded us that silence in the face of injustice is complicity; and,
WHEREAS, by honoring George Floyd’s birthday each year, the City of Pittsburgh reaffirms its commitment to justice, its solidarity with all communities who have suffered from inequity and violence, and its belief that remembrance must be coupled with action to create a more just and compassionate future;
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby proclaim Tuesday October 14th as “GEORGE FLOYD DAY” in the City of Pittsburgh, and calls upon all residents, institutions, and organizations to reflect upon the enduring lessons of his life and death, to speak truth in the face of injustice, and to stand in unwavering solidarity with all who continue the struggle for freedom, fairness, and equality.