She’s suffered a horrible tragedy, but there’s a bright spot in Gianna Floyd’s future: Texas Southern University offered the 6-year-old daughter of George Floyd a full scholarship to attend the school if she chooses.
The school, located in George Floyd’s hometown of Houston, announced the move on June 9. Floyd’s memorial service, which Gianna attended, was held that day in the city.
“This Board is committed to education and understands that a college degree is one of many powerful steps toward a productive and successful life,” said Albert H. Myres, chair of the university’s Board of Regents, in a statement. “We know that this gesture cannot take the place of her dad’s loving presence, but we hope that it will contribute to easing her journey through life.”
Texas Southern University is a historically Black institution with nearly 10,000 students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees. One of their most famous alums is the late Congresswoman Barbara Jordan, the first Black woman from the southern U.S. elected to the House of Representatives.
TSU’s campus sits just across the street from the home where George Floyd spent most of his childhood.
Floyd was a high school football and basketball star who won a partial scholarship to play hoops for South Florida State College. He also attended Texas A&M University in Kingsville.
Gianna Floyd is receiving financial help from other sources, too: Superstar Kanye West reportedly set up a college fund for the youngster. Other members of Floyd’s family have also received millions of dollars in donations through GoFundMe fundraisers.
HBCU Heroes, a nonprofit that raises funds for historic Black colleges and university sports programs, praised the scholarship:
We have to uplift each other in the black community. This is what leadership looks like. It’s important to take steps to ensure the education of our future. We are cheering for you Miss Gianna! Chase those dreams
#BlackLivesMatter #GeorgeFloyd #GiannaFloyd #TexasSouthern https://t.co/eey2mu20zy
— HBCU Heroes (@HBCUHeroes) June 10, 2020
What a generous gift for a family going through a difficult time.
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