On May 25, 2020, a white police officer killed George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Millions of people demonstrated against systematic racism and police brutality after his killing, igniting a global movement for racial justice and police reform.
But, before his death, who was George Floyd? What was his net worth, and how did he make it?
Who Was George Floyd?
George Floyd was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina, on October 14, 1973. He grew up in Houston, Texas, and went to Yates High School, where he played basketball and football.
He was dubbed “Big Floyd” because of his 6-foot-6-inch height and athletic abilities. He later attended South Florida Community College and Texas A&M University-Kingsville but did not complete his education.
Floyd loved music and was active in the Houston rap scene in the 1990s. He was a member of the Screwed Up Click, a rapper collective that DJ Screw founded and which popularized the chopped and screwed hip-hop genre.
Floyd went by the stage name Big Floyd and appeared on a number of mixtapes and albums. Floyd also had a criminal record and was incarcerated for a variety of offenses, including narcotics possession and armed robbery.
In 2013, he was released from prison and converted to Christianity. In 2014, he relocated to Minneapolis in search of a new beginning and better possibilities. He worked as a truck driver and a security guard at Conga Latin Bistro, a Latin American restaurant.
Floyd had five children, one of whom was a six-year-old daughter named Gianna. His family and friends referred to him as a “gentle giant” who enjoyed hugs and had a positive attitude toward life.
He was also a mentor and community leader, speaking out against gun violence and encouraging young people to achieve their aspirations.
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How Much Was George Floyd Worth?
George Floyd’s assessed net worth at the time of his death was approximately $5 million. There are no official documents or statements from his family or attorneys to support this figure. This amount may be founded on speculation or exaggeration.
Floyd’s rap career in the 1990s, in which he collaborated with DJ Screw and other artists, generated the majority of his income. However, he did not attain mainstream success or fame as a rapper, and after DJ Screw’s death in 2000, his music career faded.
Additionally, he had legal issues that negatively impacted his finances and opportunities. Floyd’s subsequent employment as a truck driver and a security guard was also not particularly lucrative.
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According to his former employer, Jovanni Thunstrom, he earned about $18 per hour as a security officer. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced many businesses to cease or reduce operations, he also lost his job.
Floyd’s family filed a lawsuit for wrongful death against the city of Minneapolis and the four officers implicated in his death. In March 2021, the city agreed to pay $27 million to resolve the lawsuit, the largest pre-trial settlement in the history of the United States in a wrongful death case.
The settlement will be divided among Floyd’s offspring, siblings, parents, and grandparents. The settlement also includes $500,000 for the benefit of Floyd’s neighborhood, 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, also known as George Floyd Square.
The funds will be used to improve community safety, support local businesses, and promote racial reconciliation and rehabilitation. Floyd’s demise also prompted numerous donations and fundraisers for causes associated with racial justice and social transformation.
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For example, Floyd’s brother Philonise raised over $14 million for Floyd’s family and their legal fees through a GoFundMe campaign. Stephen Jackson, a former NBA player and associate of Floyd, launched a separate GoFundMe campaign that raised over $2 million for Gianna’s education.
Floyd’s music, which has been streamed millions of times since his death, also perpetuates his legacy. His compositions have been featured in documentaries, podcasts, and playlists that pay tribute to his memory and message.
Among others, Lil Wayne, Nas, Public Enemy, and Run the Jewels have all used samples of his voice. George Floyd was more than his net worth or a number. He was a person with hopes, struggles, happiness, and grief.
Numerous individuals cherished him and mourned him terribly. In addition, he was an inspiration to many who fought for justice and equality. His existence and death were both significant.