Hello Pearland, by now I believe most of us know Mr. George Floyd’s burial is scheduled for tomorrow, June 9 at the Houston Memorial Gardens cemetery in Pearland, where he will be laid to rest next to his mother, Larcenia Floyd.

(This article originally was meant to be an announcement of the burial, however, we took it a different direction.)

As a mother of two sons, I struggled to find the right words for this article.  What I saw on the morning of May 26th was another mother, just like me, her son was pinned to the ground with a knee to this neck, struggling to breathe, begging for his life, faintly yelling out her name while taking his last breath….this is just too much….I am sorry, I honestly just can’t focus or write😢…our children will always be our babies, no matter the age. Please forgive me for throwing my journalistic integrity and professionalism out the window.  And, I hope you do not mind that I reached out to a few Pearland friends and asked them to share their perfect words of condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Floyd.

Derrick Reed, Attorney, and Former Pearland City Councilman

“I’ve been praying and will continue to pray for the family, friends, and loved ones of Mr. Floyd. His tragic death has ignited a movement in this world against racism that will, hopefully, forever change the way we as a people interact with one another.  As a city that continues to grow in diversity and understanding, it is an honor that you have chosen Pearland, Texas as Mr. Floyd’s final resting place.”

Matt Sebesta, Brazoria County Judge: “May the grace of God be with the Floyd family as they move forward after the horrific and unjust death of Mr. Floyd.”

Layni Cade, Teacher: “I feel extreme sadness that we are even having to discuss this and that this is still happening in 2020. I also feel a sense of pride that Our diverse City will be able to host his family and be a welcoming haven for them and for Mr. Floyd.”

Veronica Longoria, Paralegal – “Words are insufficient to express the sorrow and pain Floyd’s mother is feeling after losing her child. His child is no longer is afforded the love and guidance of her father. To the Floyd family, please know we are here to lift you in prayer, for God to comfort you and for George to watch over you.”

Dr. Abul Azad along with his daughter Brianna, PHS CLASS of 2020: “No words of sympathy will fill the void and sadness you and your family feel at the loss of brother George. We the Muslim community in Pearland and Texas are deeply saddened at his untimely death. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. ”

“The Muslim community of Pearland and Texas stands with George  Floyd. We stand with the Breonna Taylor and the Ahmaud  Arberys. We stand with the families in grieving and the millions of black Americans who have suffered under the hands of racial oppression.
In the last sermon of the Prophet Muhammad, he writes that “All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black, nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action.” you are not alone together, hand in hand, whites, blacks, Hispanics, and Asians we will fight for the freedoms of our brothers and sisters from oppression and injustice. let us carry your weight. many of us do not share your plight, but we see you, we hear you, and we share your passion for change.
You may not hear George again saying “ I love you mama” or smile at the little insignificant things in life. But his presence and his loving memory will remain alive in the minds of million Americans and continue to inspire them to love, respect, and stand against prejudices in our beloved community.
May your heart be in the hands of the loving God Almighty in this difficult time in your life.”
Briana Azad ( my daughter also contributed to this writing)
Abul Azad
Director
Islamic Society of Greater Houston- Southeast area

Andy Kahan, Director of Victim Services and Advocacy, Crime Stoppers of Houston: “The horrific murder of Houston native George Floyd has galvanized a nation and rightfully so demanding systematic changes in our criminal justice system. Our hearts and prayers go out to Mr. Floyd and his family.
As a long time board member of the Houston Chapter of Parents of Murdered Children and Surviving Family Members of Homicide I can unequivocally state that grief is intensified when justice is lacking and right now justice is still lacking evidently when only one individual has been charged with his murder.”

Dr. Letitia Plummer, Pearland Dentist, and Houston City Council Member: “My deepest condolences to the family of George Floyd for their loss, for a life ended before it’s time. As a mother of three black men, the injustice suffered by George is deeply hurtful and personal. It is a reminder that the current system is broken,  working against our communities and there is a need for change.”

Chase Burgin, Works at Alvin Community College: “The community as a whole is saddened by the loss of George. Our hearts go out to his family. Hopefully, justice can help give the family some closure to this senseless loss of life.”

Lucy Espana, Widow of fallen Pearland Police Officer Endy Ekpanya:

Kevin Cole, Business Owner, Former Pearland City Council member, Mayoral Candidate: “I pray for peace and comfort to you as you lay him to rest In Pearland. I also pray for justice to be served to all those that lead to his death. May it be done swiftly and thoroughly. Lastly, I pray that George did not die in vain and “just another” death, but real change can come to the hearts of people across our great nation.”

Rachel Garcia, Master Stylist at Altered Images  “My deepest condolences and compassion are with the family and friends of George Floyd during this sad time.  George should not have been taken away this way.  I pray justice is served. May God look out for his little girl and comfort his loved ones always”

Vince King, Famous Elvis Impersonator and CEO of Vince King Enterprises: “Our deepest sympathy and sincerest condolences to the entire Floyd family & friends.  May this unnecessary & horrible tragedy inspire positive change and unity.  God bless from my family to yours.”

Rachel Redus, Campaign Staffer at Senator Ted Cruz: “We hear you, and we mourn with you.  Thank you to George Floyd’s family for being positive and proactive during this time. The violence must end, and there are issues that need to be addressed as we move forward. We must unite and debunk the “us vs them” narrative. We are one. There’s power in unity. May God bless you all. We are with you, all the way.”

Mona Chavarria, President, and Owner of A&A Cleaning Services:”No one should experience fear for being who they are. Nor should a family have to experience grief.  Our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the Floyd family. God of love and mercy embrace this family and hold them close through the coming days.  “Darkness  cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” Martin Lurther King, Jr.

Daniel Hernandez, Iman of the Pearland Islamic Center:“I would like to send on behalf of the Muslim community our heartfelt condolences to the lovely family of George Floyd. May God grant you comfort and ease during these difficult times.”

Patrick Presley, Univerity of Houston Graduate, Class of  2020 -“While we all wish George’s life was not taken from him, I hope we can find some comfort in that he will forever live on in our hearts and minds as a much-needed symbol of change. We will not allow the taking of his life to go in vain. I am absolutely honored to have him laid to rest here in Pearland.”

“Each and every one of us are a humanly-flawed, experiencing life’s triumph’s & tragedies, scrapes & bruises- together, as a team, as one big graduating class.  We all start and end on the same line, and no matter how we spin it, we need one another.  We need compassion, empathy, and love. And, if we need it, we also should extend it graciously and unequivocally to others. Not only do we help ourselves and the world by living this way, but we’re called to do so; to extend the same grace and humility we need.  Not one of us is above another.