On Tuesday, friends and families, politicians and celebrities gathered to pay tribute to George Floyd at his Funeral. Among those in attendance at Houston’s Fountain of praise church were Rev. Al Sharpton, Jamie Foxx, Channing Tatum, and Al B. Sure! together with Houston rappers Slim Thug, Paul Wall, and Trae Tha Truth. The memorial service featured emotional performances from Kim Burrell and Ne-Yo, who paid tribute to the 46-year-old father of three, murdered by a Minneapolis police officer.
Along the line, Ne-Yo addressed Floyd’s family, including his 6-year-old daughter Gianna, while thanking him for changing the world.
“Much love and strength to the family of George Floyd. Much love and strength to the family members that are here, anybody that’s been lost,” Ne-Yo said. “Fifty states all protesting at the same time. This man changed the world, changed the world for the better, so I just wanna personally thank George Floyd for his sacrifice so that my kids can be alright later on. I appreciate the sacrifice, my brother. I genuinely do.”
The superstar was overcome with emotion while performing a cappella cover of Boyz II Men’s “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday” with its poignant lyrics, pausing at times as the crowd cheered him on. “I thought we’d get to see forever / But forever’s gone away / It’s so hard to say goodbye to yesterday,” Ne-Yo sings before breaking down in tears at the end.
Although the former Vice President Joe Biden did not attend Tuesday’s funeral, he did deliver a video message during the service.
“Like so many others, I’ve watched with awe as you summoned the absolute courage to channel God’s grace and show the good man George was, to stir justice too long dormant, to move millions to act peacefully and purposely,” Biden said before addressing Gianna, who sat beside former NBA star Stephen Jackson.
“When there is justice for George Floyd, we will truly be on our way to racial justice in America,” the Democratic nominee added. “And then, as you said Gianna, your daddy, will have changed the world.”
