ATLANTA – Members of the Georgia House Democratic Caucus Subcommittee on COVID-19, including State Representatives Rhonda Burnough (D-Riverdale), Kim Schofield (D-Atlanta), Sandra Scott (D-Rex) and Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain), today issued the following statements to remember Georgia Floyd on the one year anniversary of his death:
“Today, as we honor George Floyd’s legacy, we recognize the impact his life continues to have,” said Rep. Burnough. “Mr. Floyd’s public killing was a turning point that energized the movement to end anti-Black racism. Fueled by collective grief and disbelief, Americans took to the streets in peaceful protest across the country. His death spurred tough discussions about this country’s history of racist behavior in all its forms and forced many to educate themselves and others on the need for unity and healing. As Americans continue pushing for systemic change, we honor the Floyd family’s sacrifice.”
“Beyond the senseless murder of George Floyd, we still grieve,” said Rep. Schofield. “Beyond the roots of systemic racism, we still can’t breathe. Beyond the nation full of unhealed hurts, where apologizes may never come and some don’t even matter, one life, one Black man, George Floyd, forced this world to see how much Black lives really matter. He released in us the rage and, at the same time, our destiny. We no longer beg to be seen, heard and respected. The murder of George Floyd caused a shift in our consciousness and America’s soul. It was because of George Floyd’s death that we became alive. There is no price for a family’s sacrifice of a lost loved one. I did not get to meet George Floyd, but I will certainly never forget him.”
“The cries of my people are getting louder and louder,” said Rep. Scott. “I hear you. I hear your ‘sick and tired of being sick and tired’ attitude. I feel your frustration and call to action on a daily basis. I understand why we must take a stand against the unnecessary and cowardly acts of law enforcement. We must hold them accountable for their actions. Therefore, I recently introduced a criminal justice reform legislative package, or the Georgia Floyd Act, which includes House Bills 16, 18 and 35. I vow to make a difference in Georgia, and I need your help.”
“George Floyd’s murder forced America to review the meaning of ‘Black lives matter’ and ‘equal justice under the law,’” said Rep. Davis. “We watched the video of George Floyd’s killing energize young and old people to protest the injustice, demand change in the middle of a pandemic, and eventually a jury found the police officer guilty on all three charges stemming from the murder of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man. Mr. Floyd’s death will go down in history as the flame that ignited a movement that changed America for the better forever. We honor George Floyd and ask the heavens to comfort his family and friends.”
Representative Rhonda Burnough represents the citizens of District 77, which includes portions of Clayton County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2016 and currently serves on the Special Committee on Election Integrity and the Economic Development & Tourism, Governmental Affairs, Higher Education and Small Business Development committees.
Representative Viola Davis represents the citizens of District 87, which includes portions of DeKalb County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2018 and currently serves on the Natural Resources & Environment, Insurance, Interstate Cooperation and Science and Technology committees.
Representative Sandra Scott represents the citizens of District 76, which includes portions of Clayton and Henry counties. She was first elected to the House Representatives in 2010 and currently serves on the Defense & Veterans Affairs, Human Relations & Aging, Legislative & Congressional Reapportionment, Science and Technology and Special Rules committees.
Representative Kim Schofield represents the citizens of District 60, which includes portions of Clayton and Fulton counties. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2017 and currently serves on the Health & Human Services, Interstate Cooperation, Information and Audits and Small Business Development committees.
###