Stephen Jackson mourns death of friend George Floyd; campaigns for social justice

Former NBA star Stephen Jackson is one of the persons most affected by the death of George Floyd, as the two were close friends.

The 42-year-old said he met the deceased some years ago and they became friends after realizing their striking resemblance.

“The first thing we both say: ‘Man, who’s your dad?’. And just from that, from looking alike and from that day forward, we just had a bond. We became tight,” Jackson told ESPN.

The ex-Golden States Warrior star visited Minnesota to support Floyd’s family, following the gruesome murder of the black man last Monday, May 25, 2020.

Floyd was murdered by Derek Chauvin, a white police officer who kneeled on his neck for almost eight minutes.

Jackson has become a vocal leader for the black community following his speech at a rally for Floyd.

According to him, he’s embracing his new role and hopes to be able to bring social justice to the black community.

“Like, I’m honest with you: I did not expect to have the role and to have so many people waiting to see what I have to say and what’s the next move. Like, I didn’t ask to be in this position, but I’m embracing it. I’m embracing it,” he said.

“Right now, I’m 10 toes down, and my only purpose is getting justice and being with these people and trying to be a good leader.”

Floyd’s murder has caused mass protests across the United States, with the demonstrations turning violent in some cities.

Jackson believes some people are trying to manipulate the protests and called on well-meaning demonstrators not to allowed themselves be tricked into veering off.

“We got to be smarter and don’t fall for the trick bag. Right now, a perfect example: In Atlanta, there’s no construction in downtown Atlanta. I live in Atlanta. But at midnight, you see a pallet of bricks, just loose bricks, sitting in the middle of downtown, for people to throw. Why is that there?” he wondered.