The Family of George Floyd: Changing The Narrative with Thomas McLaurin

February 22, 2021

Nine months ago, the visceral images of George Floyd’s murder spread like wildfire around the world, sparking an international movement. Floyd’s cousin, Thomas McLaurin, his family, and millions of others’ lives changed as a result. They were forced to see something they now couldn’t unsee.

As we round out Black History Month (although we’ll keep sharing Black stories all year long on this podcast), we welcome Thomas McLaurin to Lift U Up: Inspiring Health Stories to share his story, as the cousin of George Floyd and the CEO and President of the George Floyd Memorial Center, a registered 501(c)3. This candid conversation looks back at our country’s history and how it led us here. Tamika and Thomas also discuss where the movement stands today, and how the Floyd family plans to reclaim the narrative, leaving a positive legacy in George Floyd’s name while also giving back.

Thomas McLaurin was born in North Carolina and spent his life as a father, social studies teacher, coach, musician, and self-titled history buff. On May 25th, 2020 his nephew George Floyd made headlines around the world. Thomas still relives that day and reflects on the surreal feelings he experienced in the days following. Not only did his family lose a loved one, but people around the world were talking about it, fighting over it, protesting, marching, and calling for justice.

At George’s memorial service, Thomas began talking with another family member about starting a memorial center in George’s name. They wanted to see change in this world, and knew they needed to take action to make it happen. Together they started the George Floyd Memorial Center, where they are creating initiatives such as scholarships for marginalized students, educational programming, eLearning ventures, and also have plans of opening a museum of art created to memorialize George and other Black victims of police brutality, like Breonna Taylor, Philando Castile, Freddy Gray, Eric Garner, along with many other victims.

Thomas believes that in order to find a solution, we have to work together, learn from our country’s history, and understand what got us here. There are systemic patterns that need to be broken, and the work doesn’t end here.

What else can you expect in this episode?

Thomas’ explanation on why George’s death was the “tipping point” for change.
Thomas’ reaction to the LAPD’s internal investigation into a Valentine-themed image using Floyd’s picture with the phrase “You Take My Breath Away” being passed around the department.
Why the Reconstruction Era was one of the worst times for Black Americans, and how that has impacted the way society is today.
Why the George Floyd Memorial Center focuses on education, and the importance of these resources on people who otherwise would not have a chance at high quality education. See Thomas on Raleigh’s WRAL talking about the project.
The book that outlines the same issues we see in the Black community today, even though it was written in 1899.
Why Thomas says The Willie Lynch Letter is a must-read for understanding Black history, and how the systems established during slavery have perpetuated themselves for 300+ years.