George Floyd’s loved ones say they hope his funeral is only the beginning of widespread change

Thousands gathered in Houston, Texas, Tuesday to bid a final farewell to George Floyd – the man whose last moments sparked outrage and protests across the country.

In the two weeks since Floyd’s death, tens of thousands flooded the streets across the US decrying police brutality and demanding lasting change. Floyd’s friends and loved ones say they hope his funeral isn’t the end – but instead marks the beginning of that widespread call for change.

Jonathan Veal, Floyd’s longtime friend, told CNN’s Don Lemon Tuesday night the two talked about the impact they wanted to make on their world and added Floyd had once said, “I want to touch the world.”

Kenyan mural artist Brian Esendi, known as Bankslave, carries his ladder after painting a graffiti mural in the Kibera slum in Nairobi on June 3, 2020, depicting the American, George Floyd, who was killed by a police officer in Minneapolis, in the United States. (Photo by Gordwin ODHIAMBO / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY MENTION OF THE ARTIST UPON PUBLICATION - TO ILLUSTRATE THE EVENT AS SPECIFIED IN THE CAPTION / The erroneous mention[s] appearing in the metadata of this photo by Gordwin ODHIAMBO has been modified in AFP systems in the following manner: [Kenyan mural artist Brian Esendi, known as Bankslave, carries his ladder after painting a graffiti mural in the Kibera slum in Nairobi on June 3, 2020, depicting the American, George Floyd, who was killed by a police officer in Minneapolis, in the United States.] instead of [Kenyan mural artist Allan Mwangi, also known as Mr.detail.seven, carries his ladder after painting a graffiti mural in the Kibera slum in Nairobi on June 3, 2020, depicting the American, George Floyd, who was killed by a police officer in Minneapolis, in the United States.]. Please immediately remove the erroneous mention[s] from all your online services and delete it (them) from your servers. If you have been authorized by AFP to distribute it (them) to third parties, please ensure that the same actions are carried out by them. Failure to promptly comply with these instructions will entail liability on your part for any continued or post notification usage. Therefore we thank you very much for all your attention and prompt action. We are sorry for the inconvenience this notification may cause and remain at your disposal for any further information you may require. (Photo by GORDWIN ODHIAMBO/AFP via Getty Images)

As George Floyd is laid to rest, his legacy reverberates across the globe

“That comment, back in the eleventh grade, was prophetic in nature,” Veal said. “He is literally having a global impact.”

In the face of continuing demonstrations, city and state leaders have moved to tackle police reform. Members of the Minneapolis City Council announced they intend to defund and dismantle the city’s police department. In New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo says he intends to quickly sign a package of police reform bills legislators are preparing. And across the US, at least 11 cities and municipalities are starting to ban or have banned police officers’ use of chokeholds, according to data gathered by CNN.

In other parts of the country, the use of tear gas by police was suspended after authorities faced harsh criticism by both demonstrators and other community leaders.

Seattle’s City Hall filled with hundreds of protesters Tuesday who called for the mayor’s resignation after she announced a 30-day ban on tear gas but police continued to use it to disperse protesters.

Pallbearers bring George Floyd's casket into the Fountain of Praise church in Houston on Tuesday, June 9. Floyd will be buried next to his mother, according to the Fort Bend Memorial Planning Center.