Houston Mayor John Whitmire Remembers George Foreman's Legacy

A Celebration of George Foreman's Life

• 🎤 Mayor John Whitmire delivered remarks at the memorial service for George Edward Foreman, affectionately known as Big George.
• 🌍 Foreman is remembered as a hero to Houston, Texas, the nation, and the world, with his contributions helping to make Houston a great city.

A Lasting Friendship and Shared Vision

• 🤝 Whitmire first met Foreman in 1973 when he was a young state representative, and they remained friends for over five decades.
• 📸 A cherished photograph from 1973, taken when Foreman had just won the Olympics and become world heavyweight champion, is a lasting memory for Whitmire.
• 💡 A key trait Whitmire highlighted was Foreman's unwavering faith, family values, and business acumen, but most importantly, his commitment to never forgetting where he came from.

Giving Back to the Community

• 🌟 Foreman, who dropped out of high school at 15 and later received a second chance through the Job Corps, was passionate about providing opportunities for Houston's youth.
• 🤝 About a year prior to his passing, Foreman approached Mayor Whitmire with a vision to partner in giving Houston's youth the opportunities he himself received.
• 🎯 This partnership aimed to use Foreman's platform to assist young people with education, healthcare, and job training, a mission Whitmire is committed to continuing.

Honoring George Foreman's Legacy

• 🗓️ In recognition of his life and contributions, Mayor Whitmire proclaimed April 14th as George Foreman Day in the city of Houston.
• 📣 The proclamation celebrated his success story, his love for family, his business achievements, and his deep connection to his roots in Houston's Fifth Ward.