Joe Biden gives speech via video at George Floyd’s funeral
Former Vice President Joe Biden delivered remarks at the funeral for George Floyd on Tuesday, calling on his family to turn his death into “purpose.”
“Unlike most, you must grieve in public and it’s a burden. A burden that is now your purpose to change the world for the better, in the name of George Floyd,” the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee said via a video message.
“Looking through your eyes, we should also be asking ourselves why the answer is so often too cruel and painful,” he added. “Why, in this nation, do too many black Americans wake up knowing that they could lose their life in the course of just living their life? Why does justice not roll like a river or righteousness like a mighty stream? Why?”
Biden also addressed Floyd’s 6-year-old daughter, Gianna.
“I know you have a lot of questions, honey,” he said. “No child should have to ask questions that too many black children have had to ask for generations. ‘Why? Why’s Daddy gone?’ ”
Biden was among several dignitaries to speak at the funeral, held at the Fountain of Praise Church in Houston, Texas, including Rep. Al Green, Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner.
The Rev. Al Sharpton will deliver the eulogy.
Floyd, 46, died May 25 after a white Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck for nearly nine minutes.