A native of Houston, Texas, Floyd grew up in the neighbourhood at the heart of the city's black community, the Third Ward, just to the south of the city centre. Marred by segregation in the 20th Century, the Third Ward Floyd left in recent years has seen gang violence and tensions over housing. Christopher Harris, a friend and former classmate, told US media Mr Floyd "was looking to start over fresh, a new beginning". "He had a heart bent towards forgiveness, but he also was a man of the people, too," he said. "I think this thing has grown into something more than George Floyd," he added, speaking of the protests.

Source: The Star May 31, 2020 23:48 UTC