By Jheri Hardaway
Staff Writer
Dunn, NC - The annual Harnett County NAACP 5473B Freedom Fund Banquet, led by chapter president Tony Spears, was elevated by an impassioned address from the cousin of George Floyd, Thomas N. McLaurin, who offered a profound reflection on the five years since his relative's death—a moment that sparked a global movement. Thomas N. McLaurin serves as the Executive Director of the Floyd Family Center for Social Equity. His insights transcend the immediate quest for accountability, charting a clear course toward sustained societal transformation and underscoring a powerful message of collective action rooted in hope and history. Speaking to a packed audience, McLaurin acknowledged the "moment of justice" in the convictions of those involved in George Floyd’s death, including the bystanding officers. However, he stressed, "even in that moment of justice, we knew that our work was not done. Because while justice can address the past, peace and harmony are about building the future."
A central tenet of the speech was the distinction between protest and progress. "George's death sparked the movement, yes, but more importantly, his death inspired a mission," he asserted. That mission is to "help this nation heal its wounds, confront its truths, and build a better path forward together." He carefully clarified the movement's stance, emphasizing that their focus is not on destruction or animosity toward law enforcement, but on systemic change. "We're not against the police. We are against the abuse of power. We're not enemies of law and order. We are advocates for equal treatment under the law. What we seek is not destruction. What we seek is transformation."
In a stirring segment, the speaker challenged the notion that fundamental change is "impossible." "Unless we try to make change, change will never happen unless we try what some say is impossible. Possible will never happen," he stated, encouraging the audience to adopt a mindset of relentless possibility, citing Dr. Howard Thurman's quote that something within the human spirit "will not let you give up."
Reflecting on the five-year mark, the speaker gave a candid assessment of the current state of progress, describing it as "very uneven." While acknowledging some legislative steps in police training and accountability in certain states, he lamented that "we still see too many lives cut short, too many systems unchanged, and too many conversations abandoned out of fear or fatigue."
Drawing a historical parallel to the post-mortem of the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision, the speaker reminded attendees of Justice Thurgood Marshall's regret that they hadn't adequately planned for the opposition's next move. "Just because the battle was won, the war still raged on. That war still rages on today." This historical context served as a crucial warning against complacency.
The lasting tribute to George Floyd, McLaurin insisted, should not be a fixation on the manner of his death, but a commitment to the person he was and the values he stood for. He emphasized George's roots in Eastern North Carolina, noting, "Let us remember George not for the way he died, but for the way he lived." He shared that George was making a new name for himself by helping others "get up" from their stumbles and falls.
The ultimate goal is not "performative statements," but "policies that save lives, partnerships that bring healing, and a country that truly believes that black lives matter, not just in times of tragedy... but in every aspect of life." Concluding with a powerful call to action, Thomas N. McLaurin implored every individual to look inward and ask: "What will I do to make this world better? Now, don't just say it. Do it. You've got to be about action!" He urged the community to support organizations like the NAACP, to vote, to "draw a straight line to the voting booths," and to "get in the way, get in trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem the soul of America."
The address served not only as a remembrance but as a forceful mobilization, inspiring the audience to translate lingering pain into purposeful, transformative work for the future. The message was clear: The mission is possible, but only if we all commit to the action required.
