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This video of George Floyd's young daughter is heartbreaking

Photo credit: _stak5_ - Instagram
Photo credit: _stak5_ - Instagram

From Cosmopolitan

An emotional video has been shared by a friend of George Floyd, showing his young daughter, six-year-old Gianna, saying her daddy "changed the world".

Stephen Jackson, who uploaded the video to his Instagram account, is a former NBA player and has been vocal in seeking justice for Floyd (who he nicknamed his "Twin") following his tragic passing at the hands of Minneapolis police officers. Floyd's death has sparked worldwide protests and seen the Black Lives Matter movement gain further momentum, with celebrities from Meghan Markle to Beyoncé offering their support.

The heartbreaking clip shows Gianna sat on Jackson's shoulders, surveying the streets and saying, "Daddy changed the world!". The accompanying caption reads: "That’s right GiGi “Daddy changed the world”. George Floyd the name of change #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd #IveHadEnough Love to all who have love for all ✊🏿✊🏻✊🏾✊🏼✊🏽✊".

Jackson has spoken out multiple times since the death of his friend, not only rallying for justice and promising to take care of his legacy and family, but in an effort to humanise him – something that's vitally important. Floyd should not only been known for his tragic death, but as a whole person with a family, hobbies and dreams. He was a father and a friend.

Harnessing the power of social media, in recent days Jackson posted a photo of Floyd in an American football kit, explaining that his friend was also a skilled basketball player too.

"These days the only crime U get killed for is Being Black. Rest Easy Twin. Starting tight end 92. Made it to state championship. Bruh wasn’t no bum. Had hoop game too," wrote Jackson. "U will know who Floyd was. Nobodies perfect but Floyd was loved by everybody when he’s friends wasn’t. Just the facts u gotta be from HTown [referring to Houston, where Floyd was originally from] to know what I’m saying. Rest Easy Twin we riding for ya."

Jackson also shared that Floyd was proud of all his friend's successes with the NBA, writing, "Where we from not many make it out but my Twin was happy I did. I’m gonna continue to make u proud fam. It makes me so angry that after all the things u been through when u get to your best self that they take u out like this. Fuk Rest Easy Twin."

He said that Floyd moved from Houston to Minneapolis in search of better job opportunities and hoped to become a truck driver. "He knew he had to relocate to be his best self."

Pledging to always be there for Floyd's daughter, Jackson also promised during a press conference that he'd walk the little girl down the aisle on her wedding day. "I'm gonna walk her down the aisle. I'm gonna be there for her. I'm gonna be here to wipe your tears. I'm gonna be here for you and Gigi. Floyd might not be here, but I'm here for her, I'm here to get justice, and we're gonna get justice for my brother."

Floyd also leaves behind a son, Quincy Mason, and partner, Courteney Ross. Mason visited the spot where Floyd died and made a moving address to the gathered crowd, saying, "No man or woman should be without their father."

Our thoughts are with all of George's friends and family throughout this tragic time.

You can donate to a fund set up to support Gianna's future here.

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