LANSING, Mich., Oct. 15, 2021 — State Rep. Cynthia A. Johnson (D-Detroit) held a press conference yesterday on the front steps of the Capitol to honor George Floyd on what would be his 48th birthday.
In honor of Floyd, Johnson read a special tribute created for Floyd’s family to celebrate his life and legacy.
“Today, we pay tribute to George Floyd and his family,” Johnson said. “Why? Because his life was important, and, unfortunately, his life was cut short. His tragic death has been made all the more important. Many issues have been brought to the forefront that we can’t ignore — that we should never ignore. Now, we must ensure that George Floyd did not lose his life in vain. We must continue to fight against evil so that all people can live in peace, and Black people can receive the due respect that has long been ignored.”
Floyd was killed by a Minneapolis police officer and sparked nationwide protests against racial injustice and police brutality. Johnson was joined by state Reps. Mary Cavanagh (D-Detroit), Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield Twp.), Julie Rogers (D-Kalamazoo), Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids), Samantha Steckloff (D-Farmington Hills), Yousef Rabhi (D-Ann Arbor), Tyrone Carter (D-Detroit), Amos O’Neal (R-Saginaw), Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton), Brenda Carter (D-Pontiac), Tenisha Yancey (D-Harper Woods) and Lori M. Stone (D-Warren) were also in attendance.