George Floyd's Daughter Gianna Visits White House On His First Death Anniversary

George Floyd's daughter, seven-year-old Gianna led a "say his name" chant as her entire family gathered outside the White House, a year after the 46-year-old was murdered by a police officer. US President Joe Biden praised the bravery of Floyd’s family on Tuesday.

George Floyd's daughter, the bereaved young girl Gianna, his mother, sister, brothers and legal team were among those meeting the President and Vice President Kamala Harris to mark the first anniversary of the African American man's death. Taking to Twitter, Harris, the first Black woman to serve as a vice president in the United States, wrote, "For Gianna, and all those families who have grieved the untimely loss of a loved one, Congress needs to act."

For Gianna, and all those families who have grieved the untimely loss of a loved one, Congress needs to act. pic.twitter.com/KnTJrUtf0S

— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) May 25, 2021

US Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters that the courage and grace of Floyd's family, especially his daughter Gianna, has really "stuck" with the president and that he is eager to listen to their perspectives.

Biden said that Floyd's murder launched a summer of protest the country hadn’t seen since the Civil Rights era in the ‘60s. The protests he claimed peacefully unified people of every race and generation to collectively say enough of the "senseless killings". He also took time during the meeting to play with Gianna and added the day before her father's funeral a year ago, the Bidens met the family and Gianna told me, "Daddy changed the world". He further told the family that "he just wants the bill to be meaningful and that it holds George's legacy intact".

Later, George Floyd daughter stood before the cameras outside the White House and softly called out, "say his name". Family members chanted in return: "George Floyd."

It’s been one year since George Floyd was murdered. In that time, George’s family has shown extraordinary courage. Last month’s conviction was a step towards justice – but we cannot stop there.

We face an inflection point. We have to act.

— President Biden (@POTUS) May 25, 2021

In the wake of his death, worldwide protests began against racism and discriminative policing in the US, questioning the law enforcement’s treatment of Black Americans in the country. The proposed George Floyd Justice in Policing Act still pending,

Biden noted about the long struggle for racial equality in the country but he said in hope that the bill will "get to my desk quickly". He explained how to deliver "real change", we all must have accountability when law enforcement officers violate their oaths. "We need to build lasting trust between the vast majority of the men and women who wear the badge honourably and the communities they are sworn to serve and protect," he noted.

Floyd died after a Minneapolis police officer pushed his knee on his neck for about nine and a half minutes in May last year. Videos circulated online show the officer pressing his knee on Floyd’s neck and ignoring Floyd’s “I can’t breathe” cries. He eventually stopped moving. After the video sparked protests, accused Officer Derek Chauvin was convicted last month of murder and faces sentencing on June 25.

Featured Image Credit: Kamala Harris/Twitter