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I never imagined we would witness a day when a white police officer faced consequences for taking the life of a Black individual. I still remember in 2014 when the officer responsible for Eric Garner’s death faced no indictment, despite an autopsy confirming he died from a chokehold. In the nearly seven years since, we’ve seen countless instances of white officers killing Black individuals without facing any repercussions. One of the officers involved in Breonna Taylor’s death is not only free but has even secured a book deal. Thus, the mere fact that Derek Chauvin was found guilty does not suggest a significant shift in accountability for law enforcement.
This verdict does not bring justice for George Floyd. While Floyd was not the first Black man killed by police, his death sparked an unprecedented global response. Perhaps it was the time spent at home during the pandemic that allowed more people to engage with the issue. It wasn’t just the graphic video of his death; we’ve witnessed countless similar incidents without eliciting the same level of outrage. Floyd’s death catalyzed the Black Lives Matter movement into a worldwide phenomenon, and it was powerful to see.
For several weeks last summer, people rallied together, united against racial injustice. Many individuals used their social media platforms to elevate Black voices and sought to dismantle systemic racism. Yet, for many Black individuals, Floyd’s death was just another instance of a painful reality. We had to once again prepare to watch the heartbreaking footage, feeling the anguish when Floyd cried out for his mother. This time, however, something shifted, and the world began to truly listen to the plea for our humanity.
As millions took to the streets demanding justice, it became clear that the fight against police brutality was met with fierce resistance. I recall hurriedly gathering groceries as Los Angeles imposed a curfew. Across the nation, police in riot gear confronted peaceful demonstrators, showing that the demand for justice was met with hostility. It was a stark contrast to see officers armed with riot shields and tear gas targeting those advocating for change.
While the community fought for justice for George Floyd, we faced the dual crisis of COVID-19, disproportionately affecting Black communities. Those who marched put their lives on the line, not just against police violence but also against a deadly virus. The masks worn in the crowds, emblazoned with “Black Lives Matter,” took on a deeper significance. The world was watching.
With Chauvin’s guilty verdict, we saw a police officer finally held accountable for killing a Black individual without justification. This moment has been a long time coming, and while it signals a possibility for accountability, it is essential to recognize that this is not justice for George Floyd. True justice would mean George Floyd would still be with us today. It would mean he would never have experienced that horrific knee on his neck. His daughter would still have her father. Thus, this verdict is not justice; it is merely the first step toward accountability, and we must acknowledge the distinction.
Sadly, the accountability of one officer does not signify a larger change in the system. I remain skeptical; the outcome of the trial seemed predetermined in the wake of last year’s unrest. They needed to avoid another eruption of protests, and Chauvin became the scapegoat. Some may view this as a victory, but it’s crucial not to allow this moment to breed complacency.
Just recently, a 20-year-old Black man was killed by a police officer who claimed to have mistaken her firearm for a taser. Days later, a 13-year-old boy lost his life at the hands of law enforcement. While the officer responsible for Daunte Wright’s death is facing charges, this was an expected outcome given the proximity to the Floyd case and the scrutiny involved.
It should not have taken George Floyd’s tragic death for America to awaken to the urgent need for change. There is nothing fundamentally different about him compared to Alton Sterling, Philando Castile, or Elijah McClain. Breonna Taylor was killed shortly before Floyd, and her killers remain unaccountable. Contrary to some narratives, George Floyd is not a martyr. He did not die to enlighten this nation on racial issues. He was a man whose life was cut short—one who could have been alive if true justice existed.
While I am grateful that the jury reached the right decision, my heart remains heavy. I think of Michael Brown, Eric Garner, Sandra Bland, Freddie Gray, Botham Jean, Atatiana Jefferson, Tamir Rice, and Breonna Taylor—all individuals whose lives were lost to police violence, all of whom were denied justice. Their lives mattered just as much as George Floyd’s. I will continue to honor them by saying their names.
This fight transcends individual cases; we must dismantle the systemic issues at play and create a society that genuinely respects the humanity of Black individuals. We should not have to plead for our rights any longer.
For more on related themes, check out this other blog post for further insights into the intersection of societal issues. Additionally, understanding fertility and the challenges surrounding it can be explored at Make A Mom, which offers valuable resources. For those interested in the science behind IVF, the Genetics and IVF Institute provides excellent information.
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Summary:
Derek Chauvin’s guilty verdict for the murder of George Floyd does not equate to justice. While it represents a moment of accountability, it underscores the systemic issues surrounding police violence and the need for substantial change. The struggle for true justice continues as many Black lives remain uncounted and unacknowledged. This fight extends beyond individual cases; it calls for the dismantling of a system that has long denied Black individuals their humanity.
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