| Credit: Uzoma Obasi/The Creative Group
The foundation aims to provide college scholarships and created an internship program at George s alma mater, Texas A&M University-Commerce, in his name. It also supports a recently renewed effort in Congress to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which would ban chokeholds by federal law enforcement and create a national registry maintained by the Justice Department to document police misconduct. I had no idea that my brother would be someone that could make history, says Bridgett. I m talking about, like, a Martin Luther King history. That s deep for me to wake up to every day.
Arts Briefs: Jewish Film Festival goes virtual starting Feb. 6
Published: 1/19/2021 3:54:08 PM
SPRINGFIELD The Pioneer Valley Jewish Film Festival, presented by the Springfield Jewish Community Center, marks its 16th year with a virtual mini-festival that kicks off Feb. 6 and runs through March 22.
The 2020 festival was postponed due to COVID-19, just days before launching last year. PVJFF will present seven online film screenings, as the festival continues its tradition of showcasing some of the best independent Jewish cinema from around the world.
Thought-provoking Zoom discussions are planned for nearly all of the films, featuring directors, screenwriters, and experts on an array of topics of cultural and historical significance. This year’s festival includes an eclectic mix of dramas and documentaries, plus a short film.
1. Bridgett Floyd The world knows him as George Floyd, but to me, he was my big brother, Bridgett Floyd says. His devastating death in May at the hands of the Minneapolis police ignited protests around the world. Floyd and her siblings have bravely turned pain into purpose, establishing the George Floyd Memorial Foundation to uphold their brother s legacy of mentorship and service, as well as to fight for nationwide police reform. Since its inception, the foundation has handed out hot meals to the homeless in Fayetteville, N.C. (where George was born), and also created an internship program geared toward Black men at his alma mater, Texas A&M University. Floyd insists these steps are just the beginning. I believe that s what it means to be a badass: remaining confident and standing in your purpose, she says. My brother would always say to me, I m for ya, and it s an honor to know that today and for the rest of my life, I m for him.