On May 25, 2020, the world watched as 46-year-old George Floyd was murdered by a white police officer kneeling on his neck for more than nine minutes.
Floyd’s last words of “I can’t breathe” became a rallying cry for millions around the globe. People poured into the streets to demand police reform — and an end to the police violence that disproportionately affects Black Americans.
Just days before the U.S. recognized the four-year anniversary of Floyd’s murder, Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee reintroduced the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, a bill that would pass sweeping federal police reform by ending qualified immunity and banning no knock warrants and chokeholds. And Rep. Cori Bush also recently revived the Helping Families Heal Act, a bill that would provide mental health services for those affected by police violence.
The Switch Up sat down with Floyd’s family — his brother, Philonise and his sister-in-law Keeta — to talk about what this anniversary means to them and how they think the legislation can help the nation.
Listen above.
Editor’s Note: This episode includes language about police brutality and murder. Please consider this when deciding if and where you will listen.
The Switch Up podcast series — hosted by The Hill’s Cheyanne M. Daniels — explores the intersection of race and politics through intimate conversations with leading scholars, advocates and legislators from communities of color. Follow The Switch Up on Spotify.
