‘Stop and breathe’: Uncle of George Floyd shares message on one-month anniversary of nephew’s death

Thursday marks one month since George Floyd died during an arrest in Minneapolis.

His death has sparked protests around the world and changes within police departments.

5 EYEWITNESS NEWS spoke with Floyd’s uncle as he reflected on everything that has happened in the month since his nephew’s death.

"It was horrific," said Selwyn Jones. "Since May the 25th, my life has changed. I am on a mission to change the world."

Floyd’s mother died several years ago. Jones is her brother. He currently lives in Gettysburg, South Dakota but has been traveling the country since his nephew’s death.

"Me and my wife and my two babies have probably ridden 10,000 to 12,000 miles, stopping in little towns, talking and communicating with people, stopping and talking to police officers," Jones said. "I wake up every morning and, in my brain I’m thinking, ‘Okay, what can I do? Where do I go to go to spread the word? Nobody needs to die because of the color of your skin."

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Jones said the family was initially in shock, watching the bystander video of Floyd’s death, which shows former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin with his knee on Floyd’s neck.

The family was also very touched to see anti-racism protests across the country and as far away as Japan.

"When you see some little 70-year-old Caucasian lady that comes from the middle of the sticks with a sign that says ‘Black lives matter,’ that’s beautiful, you know," Jones said. "And that just shows that there’s change gonna come."

Jones spent the one-month anniversary with his family in Minnesota, paying his respects at the memorial in south Minneapolis and pushing a message of love and peace.

"This is what it’s about," Jones said, while sitting with his two young children. "If we can make a change, we have to make a change for them."

He said fighting for police reform and equality is important but the message he wants to share with the public on this anniversary is: "Stop and breathe."

"Stop the madness, stop the violence, stop the racism and breathe," Jones said. "Its’ not a black thing, it’s not a white thing, it’s a life thing. We can’t change the past but we can fix the future."

If you would like to follow Jones’ efforts or donate to the cause, click here.