April 21, 2021
Today, the jury affirmed what millions who watched George Floyd’s death from a cell phone video already knew: Derek Chauvin was guilty. While it’s a rare day for justice in these times, the important work to honor Black lives and pursue racial justice doesn’t stop here.
Nearly a year ago, we shared our grief and outrage over the continued deaths of black and brown people at the hands of the police. At that time, we said the names of George Floyd, Nina Pop, Breonna Taylor, Eric Garner, Ahmaud Arbery, David McAtee, and reignited a conversation on the need for criminal justice reform in America.
We continue to experience the same traumas, racism and crimes against BIPOC communities. Since Chauvin’s trial began, we invoke the names of Daunte Wright, Adam Toledo, Michael Leon Hughes, Iremamber Sykap, Anthony Thompson Jr., and countless others who have died at the hands of police officers. CIPC will continue its commitment to fight for our collective liberation, and for long- term systemic solutions that promote decarceration, provide fair and just outcomes, and rethink public safety. Today’s verdict is the result of power building, organizing and persistence. But only by investing in people, not police, will another, more just future be possible.