Duluth Event Celebrates George Floyd's Life Through New Novel

YWCA Duluth to host launch of "Floyd's Baller," a young-adult historical fiction book co-written by local author and Floyd's lifelong friend.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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On February 26th, the YWCA Duluth will host the launch of "Floyd's Baller," a new young-adult historical fiction novel co-written by local author Heather Wilde and Adarryl Hunter, George Floyd's lifelong friend. The book aims to connect readers with Floyd as a person, rather than just a headline, at a time when youth are bombarded with stories that reduce people to statistics.

Why it matters

The book launch is seen as an opportunity for intergenerational connection and healing, as the community gathers to grieve, uplift stories, and celebrate storytelling, friendship, and community - essential acts of resistance against the division and turmoil that often overwhelms young people today.

The details

"Floyd's Baller" was co-written by local author Heather Wilde and Adarryl Hunter, George Floyd's lifelong friend. The book provides readers a chance to slow down, see beyond the headlines, and remember that everyone has a full story worth knowing. The launch event at the YWCA Duluth is intended to be more than just a literary event, but an intergenerational gathering where young people and adults can practice in-person human connection.

  • The YWCA Duluth will host the launch of "Floyd's Baller" on February 26, 2026.
  • George Floyd was murdered in Minneapolis in 2020.

The players

Heather Wilde

A local author who co-wrote the novel "Floyd's Baller" with Adarryl Hunter.

Adarryl Hunter

George Floyd's lifelong friend, who co-wrote the novel "Floyd's Baller" with Heather Wilde.

George Floyd

The subject of the novel "Floyd's Baller" and Adarryl Hunter's lifelong friend.

YWCA Duluth

The organization hosting the launch event for the novel "Floyd's Baller" on February 26, 2026.

Rebeka Ndosi

A community member who wrote a letter to the editor encouraging people to attend the "Floyd's Baller" launch event.

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What they’re saying

“We need to gather, grieve, and uplift the stories of those reduced to headlines.”

— Rebeka Ndosi (Duluth News Tribune)

“This book launch is more than a literary event; it's an intergenerational gathering where young people and adults practice something essential: in-person human connection.”

— Rebeka Ndosi (Duluth News Tribune)

What’s next

The YWCA Duluth will host the launch of "Floyd's Baller" on February 26, 2026, providing an opportunity for the community to come together, grieve, and celebrate the life of George Floyd.

The takeaway

This event highlights the power of storytelling and community connection to combat the divisiveness and dehumanization that can arise from focusing solely on headlines. By centering George Floyd's humanity and friendship, the "Floyd's Baller" launch aims to inspire empathy, understanding, and meaningful intergenerational dialogue.