MINNEAPOLIS – On Tuesday night, a Minneapolis high school located near where George Floyd was murdered will compete against Floyd’s alma mater in Texas in his honor.
Minneapolis North High School, a powerful program 6 miles from where Floyd was murdered by former Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin, and Jack Yates Senior High School (Houston), where Floyd is a basketball and soccer star, will play a the game in Minneapolis in the beginning of George Floyd Jr. Classic Memorial Day.
The schools will compete on the campus of North Central University, where Floyd’s funeral will be held in 2020. The event is organized by the Minnesota Association of Black Basketball Coaches.
On April 20, 2021, Chauvin was convicted charged with second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter months after a viral video showed him kneeling on Floyd’s neck for about nine minutes. The incident has sparked protests across the country and around the sports world. In June, Chauvin was convicted up to 22 ½ years in prison.
Minneapolis North, where former UConn star Khalid El-Amin has led the team to three state titles, is a strong show in the city. Larry McKenzie, head coach of Minneapolis North, said he is excited for his players to have the opportunity to honor Floyd’s name in what he hopes will be an annual event.
“Give [Floyd’s] “The high school was a great way to pay tribute to him at this first annual event,” said McKenzie. “It’s all happening again. Without a doubt, we want to keep this in everyone’s mind: what happened in Minneapolis with George Floyd.”
For Eddy Barlow, head coach at Yates, the trip was an emotional one. He knew Floyd and grew up around his family. Barlow, Floyd’s mother, said he cooks breakfast for him on summer mornings and that he enjoys hanging out with Floyd’s brothers. He said the local community admires Floyd for his athletic ability.
Ahead of Tuesday’s event, Barlow will visit the memorial at 38 and Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis, where Floyd was killed.
The game, he said, is an opportunity for his players to represent Floyd’s hometown and enjoy a new city. On Monday, shortly after their arrival, they saw snow for the first time.
The game will bring two communities together to promote positive change, says Barlow.
“George Floyd is one of my friends,” Barlow said. “So this is a big deal for me too. He’s one of the first people I’ve seen, coming from where we come from, get a sports scholarship. This is personal for me. I am so lucky and excited and happy to be able to represent the community and for George.
“We’re playing a game to honor him, competition, people are coming together. We’re using basketball as a tool to come together.”
