George Floyd’s uncle to speak in Charlotte on 4th anniversary of his nephew’s murder

Selwyn Jones, the uncle of George Floyd, will appear in Charlotte on Saturday on the fourth anniversary of his nephew’s murder by a police officer in Minneapolis.

Jones will celebrate his nephew’s life during a community event at Clinton Chapel AME Zion Church, 1901 Rozzelles Ferry Rd. “Clinton Fest/George Floyd’s Hope 2024” will run from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Floyd’s killing while in police custody on May 25, 2020, sparked protests nationwide, including in Charlotte.

Officer Derek Chauvin, who knelt on Floyd’s neck for nearly 9 minutes, is simultaneously serving a 21-year federal sentence for violating Floyd’s civil rights and a 22½-year state sentence for second-degree murder, the Associated Press has reported.

Jones has traveled the country the past four years to speak with the families of other victims of police violence and help with their struggles, according to his charity. He spoke at Harvard University last month, scene of one of many student-led pro-Palestine encampments nationwide.

Jones also has rallied support in various states for passage of the Medical Civil Rights Act, which Connecticut government officials approved last year. The act establishes the right to emergency medical care during police interactions.

The event also will include entertainers, vendors, art areas, fitness zones and food, according to an announcement by Hope929, the charity Jones co-founded to promote civil rights and create change in honor of his nephew.

In a statement released by his charity, Jones said “there has been change” since the killing of his 46-year-old nephew.

“But it will never be enough as long as innocent people of all colors and races continue to die at the hands of police and from gun violence,” Jones said.

He’s pushing for more progress, he said, “to make communities everywhere better for all our children.”