An estimated 60,000 Houstonians joined Houston rappers Bun B and Trae tha Truth as they led a “Justice 4 George Floyd” rally June 1, organized with Floyd's nephew Brandon Williams.
Rice students, including a contingent from Rice for Black Life, and alumni were among the crowd who gathered at downtown’s Discovery Green before marching to City Hall.
Floyd, a Houston native who was born and raised in the Third Ward, was killed May 25 when a Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck for almost nine minutes during an arrest. His death has led to multiple protests across the U.S. and abroad against anti-black violence and police brutality.
Bun B — whose given name is Bernard Freeman — co-teaches the Religion and Hip Hop course at Rice with Anthony Pinn, the Agnes Cullen Arnold Professor of Humanities and founding director of the university’s Center for African and African American Studies. He has lectured at Rice since 2009.
Floyd’s funeral is scheduled to take place in Houston June 9, preceded by a public viewing June 8. Only 500 people at a time will be allowed inside The Fountain of Praise worship center during the viewing. Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden is among those scheduled to attend.