HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — George Floyd hails from the Third Ward and was raised in the Cuney Homes. Upon his unfortunate passing five years ago, a group of his childhood companions made the journey to Minnesota to ensure a thorough investigation into Floyd’s death.
Cal Wayne was one of those people.
“He meant so much to me when it happened; I jumped in the car and rode 22 hours to Minnesota to see what happened,” said the longtime Houston rapper.
One of Floyd’s longtime friends, Cal Wayne, and others from his early years gathered on Winbern Street, in front of the now-famous blue mural dedicated to Floyd posthumously. Though the mural may have dimmed over time and the street appears quieter, the essence of George Floyd lingers in this neighborhood, where memories of him persist.
“He is like a brother to me,” Wayne expressed, reminiscing about Floyd’s presence in his early music videos. “He was the first person I admired, the one who set up the basketball hoops for us by hanging milk crates on a tree. He was tall and could easily install them for our enjoyment.”
He was known as “Big Floyd” in the neighborhood because of his height and towering presence. When Floyd died that fateful day in May 2020, the lives of those who called him family were also forever changed.
“To see my friend and a guy that I was born and raised with, who we said is like brothers, for him to be on the ground like that, you know, it sparked the change,” childhood friend Travis Cains said.
“It sparked the person who wanted to get up, be active, and be more of an advocate.”
Cains participated in the rallies, protests, and calls for justice. He keeps in close touch with Floyd’s daughter, Gianna, and her mother, Roxie Washington. They dream about George Floyd’s legacy, which has yet to be fully realized.
Cains said, “Through the grace of God, it’s going to get done.”
RELATED: 5 years after George Floyd’s death, Minneapolis police work to rebuild trust
The Justice Department said Wednesday it is moving to drop police reform agreements reached with the cities of Louisville, Kentucky, and Minneapolis.
Wayne has channeled the pain into new music, and several recordings honor George Floyd’s memory.
“I really knew, Lord, like I really, really knew him, I idolized him.”
Cal Wayne, Travis Cains, Roxie Washington, and Gianna Floyd are a tight group of friends working together to build a foundation, a community center, and a more permanent legacy for Big Floyd.
“I know he’s looking down on me. I can just imagine what he’s saying. Like, I knew big brother got me. It always ever happened.”
On Sunday, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., George Floyd’s family and friends will gather for a five-year remembrance event to honor him. The public is invited to Emancipation Park at 3018 Emancipation Avenue.
For news updates, follow Miya Shay on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Copyright © 2025 KTRK-TV. All Rights Reserved.
