George Floyd's legacy is forever painted onto Houston streets

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The life of George Floyd will forever be remembered in Houston through a piece of colorful street art.

Stretching two blocks of Alabama Street, bright red and gold paint came together to represent the legacy Floyd left behind.

"This (artwork) is another public statement that the life and death of George Floyd is not in vain," said Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner at the street art unveiling ceremony on Feb. 6. "That eight minutes and 46 seconds is still being resonated throughout the globe."

Floyd was killed on May 25, 2020 when Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin pressed his knee against Floyd's neck even as Floyd said he couldn't breathe.

Eight minutes and 46 seconds is the amount of time Floyd was alleged to be on the ground under the control of police. Floyd's death was captured in widely seen bystander video that set off protests around the world.

The artwork is painted on the road near Jack Yates High School, which was Floyd's alma mater. It features the Yates High School crest on one side with Floyd's football jersey on the other, along with the dates of his birth and death.

SEE ALSO: Jack Yates High School basketball team honors George Floyd

Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, the Houston Society for Change, and 88 C.H.U.M.P., a non-profit social activism organization formed by Floyd's former Yates football teammates, all came together to organize and make this venture possible.

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