George Floyd’s niece calls for change to ‘corrupt and broken’ system: ‘When has America ever been great?’

George Floyd’s niece called for systemic change to prevent future acts of police brutality during an emotional speech at Floyd’s funeral in Houston on Tuesday. 

“Why must the system be corrupt and broken? Laws were already put in place for the African American system to fail,” Brooke Williams said. “These laws need to be changed.”

“No more hate crimes, please. Someone said, ‘Make America great again,’ but when has America ever been great?” she added. 

“These laws need to be changed. No more hate crimes — please. Someone said, ‘Make America great again’, but when has America ever been great?”

George Floyd’s niece, Brook Williams, delivers remarks at his funeral. https://t.co/HiIUhDWjnH pic.twitter.com/IKvmGEar3n

— Good Morning America (@GMA) June 9, 2020

Floyd died on Memorial Day in Minneapolis police custody after an officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes during an arrest as Floyd said he couldn’t breathe. 

The officer, Derek Chauvin, has since been fired and charged with second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Three other officers on the scene were also fired and charged with aiding and abetting. 

Floyd’s death sparked nationwide protests over police brutality and racial inequality.

Williams said her uncle was a “spiritually grounded” activist who “moved people with his words.” 

“The officer took no remorse while watching my uncle’s soul leave his body. He begged and pleaded many times just for you to get up, but you just pushed harder,” Williams said. 

“This is not just murder but a hate crime,” she added.