“Time is out for empty words and empty promises,” said Reverend Al Sharpton at the nationally televised funeral of George Floyd Thursday afternoon in Minneapolis.
When Sharpton asked for a symbolic eight minutes and 46 seconds of silence symbolizing how long fired
Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin kept his knee on Floyd’s neck, it was interrupted by the constant sounds of clicking cameras.
Rev. Jerry McAfee, pastor of New Salem Baptist Church, gave a scripture reading, and was the only local person involved in the program, which was orchestrated by Sharpton’s New York based National Action Network.
That was undisputed as Sharpton’s NAN organization organized the program and it appeared that he failed to consult with the local Minneapolis community.
An inspired and emotional crowd that had waited outside of the chapel during the service reminded the national press that Floyd’s death would not be in vain as they chanted, “No justice, no peace; prosecute the police!”
