A Compelling Conversation with Philonise Floyd

Thursday, October 28, 2021

On Thursday, October 21, Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) welcomed Philonise Floyd, brother of the late George Floyd, to speak as part of BHCC’s 2021-2022 Compelling Conversations Speaker Series. Since the tragic loss of his brother George’s life in 2020, Philonise Floyd has begun advocating against police violence in this country.

Franklyn E. Taylor, Ed.D, Associate Provost-Charlestown, opened the dialogue with a sense of urgency about the fight for social justice in today’s climate. The conversation with Floyd was moderated by Evans Erilus, Interim Director, HOPE Initiative. The two discussed Floyd’s renewed sense of urgency in the fight for new legislation and reform, following the murder of his brother George. “He was special to me. He was one of a kind,” Floyd spoke of his late brother fondly. He shared how last year’s loss continues to impact him, “when you lose someone that you love dearly it drives you to another stage.”

At the presentation, Floyd focused on the importance of advocacy and using your own voice to effect change. Floyd believes law enforcement should “Protect all citizens. Not just the elite and the chosen. The people without voices.” On the day after his brother’s funeral, Floyd testified before the U.S. Congress. In the months following, Floyd began to turn his grief and sorrow into activism, speaking around the country about police violence. Through his non-profit organization, the Philonise and Keeta Floyd Institute for Social Change (PAKFISC), Floyd has worked to uplift the voices of families, like his own, who have been victimized by police. “If you witness injustice, don’t turn a blind eye. Don’t allow what happened to my brother to become your brother,” he said. With an overall message of hope and healing, Floyd encouraged attendees to use their voices in the fight to end oppression and police brutality. “I am here to get you all to understand that you all can make this world a better place. You just have to speak out.” 

Join us for the next speaker in the series on Thursday, February 24, 2022, featuring Sean Ellis, Criminal Justice Activist and Boston Native. Learn more at bhcc.edu/cc.