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A group of organizations called the Planning Consortium are raising money to install synthetic turf at Jack Yates High School in Houston in honor of George Floyd, a black man killed by police in Minneapolis in 2020.
The project was made possible by the NFL Foundation Grassroots Program, the consortium said in a news release.
Donations that made it possible included a donation of the field by the Houston Texans, Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation-NRG Park and Hellas Construction Inc., the news release said.
"The NFL Foundation Grassroots Program is intended not only to respond to the immediate shortage of playing fields, but also to build an infrastructure through partnerships and resident involvement that will sustain open spaces for community use,” the consortium said.
According to the news release, the athletic field will be named in honor of George Perry Floyd Jr. He attended Yates High School and played football there.
"Floyd rose to prominence following his death in 2020, which inspired the nation to address social injustice, systemic racism and structural inequities. Yates High School is the epitome of African American history, culture and pride within the Houston community,” the release stated.
The Planning Consortium is a strategic alliance that represents various community development, education, community engagement and social service organizations within the local community. Organizations involved include Change Happens, Houston Society for Change, 88 C.H.U.M.P. and Jack Yates High School National Alumni Association, the news release said.
An event will be held at the high school at 10 a.m. June 4, where full details about the project and fundraising campaign will be announced, the news release said. The event is open to the public. Philonise Floyd, George Floyd's brother, will attend, the news release said.