Remembering George Floyd: Seems Like A Lifetime A Go

On May 25, 2020, the world watched in horror as George Floyd's life was tragically cut short.?

Just like many, I saw the horrific images on social media and wondered if what I was looking at was real.? It was.

When I found out that Mr. Floyd was the same age as me, it made me think that it could have easily been me in some twisted fate of reality.? I felt sad and emotionally shaken.??

This made me think about how far apart we are as humans - how misunderstandings, fear, biases, and our beliefs influence our behaviors -? and how we rationalize behaviors.??

It made me think about how life is too short.? That his life mattered.? It mattered to him, his family and friends.?

His death sparked a global movement for change, a movement that continues to resonate today.?

The outpouring of grief, anger, and demands for justice ignited a fire within many. We saw people from all walks of life come together, united in their call for an end to police brutality and systemic racism.

So I write about this tragedy in remembrance of Mr. George Floyd and what lessons we may have learned or progress towards change and healing we’ve made.??

Show Me The Progress?

In the aftermath of Floyd's death, the Minneapolis City Council passed a series of police reform measures aimed at increasing transparency and accountability.?

One key reform involved? body cameras. While the Minneapolis Police Department already had a body camera program in place, the new policy mandated stricter activation guidelines.?

Previously, officers had discretion over when to turn their cameras on and off.

The new policy requires them to activate their body cameras whenever responding to calls, at crime scenes, or during any interaction with the public that could lead to an arrest or use of force.

Another area of reform focused on use-of-force policies. The City Council banned chokeholds and neck restraints, tactics tragically used in George Floyd's case.

Additionally, the policy emphasizes de-escalation techniques and requires officers to intervene if they witness another officer using excessive force.

Why Implicit Bias Training Is STILL Critical

While Minneapolis implemented body cameras and stricter use-of-force policies, these are just pieces of the puzzle.?

The real need for reform must come from within.? From within our thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes.? Because this is what drives behaviors.? This is how we use reason - rationalize behavior - good or evil.

Implicit bias training is crucial because it helps people recognize and address unconscious biases they may hold. These biases are often formed through societal influences and affect decision-making, interactions, and perceptions without you even realizing it.?

By raising awareness and providing strategies to mitigate these biases, training promotes fair treatment, diversity, and inclusion in workplaces and communities.

Implicit bias training helps create a more equitable environment by fostering understanding and empathy, reducing discriminatory behaviors, and promoting positive interactions among people from diverse backgrounds.?

It encourages people to challenge their assumptions and stereotypes, leading to more objective decision-making processes and improved relationships with colleagues, clients, and the broader community.

So, Just Throw Implicit Bias Training At It And We’re Good To Go?

I’m not convinced any implicit bias training will automatically fix the “bad apples” among us.? You must be willing to change.? There’s no going back. ? And this might be asking a lot.

But, it is still needed.? And it's a critical, if not, a foundational initiative or intervention for any institution to implement, so, at minimum, they foster awareness of the biases we hold against our fellow human beings.??

And this my friends is a start.? Is it enough? Probably not.? But it’s progress. It’s movement in the right direction.

Because reform efforts that extend beyond equipment and procedures are actually addressing the underlying attitudes that contribute to police brutality.

Implicit bias training aims to make officers aware of these biases,? helping them? mitigate their influence on decisions and actions.??

So if an officer took such training to heart, then perhaps, it could have helped them take a different approach to handling the situation with Mr. Floyd.? Who knows?

The Multi-Faceted Nature Of Reform

A comprehensive approach is needed - a holistic - human-centered approach to policing, for example, is needed.? And like many unknown or foreign things, it starts with awareness.?

Law enforcement needs not only the tools for better practices but also the awareness to identify and mitigate unconscious biases.

And yes - we’ve been at this awareness thing since the dawn of time.??

And look at where it’s gotten us?

We’ve been doing unconscious and diversity awareness training since at least the Civil Rights Movement.

So What, Now What?

I’m not even sure anymore.?

Because I keep going back to the need to build awareness as a starting point.

I hang my hat on awareness because I want to keep this blog on the positive side of the conversation.?

And by positive, I mean respectful in regard to what Mr. Floyd’s murder might signify or mean for someone like me who is interested in building bridges and positive relationships.

The Broader Conversation

Implicit bias training is now a crucial part of a national conversation, but its roots extend back long before Ice-T and NWA brought police brutality awareness to the masses.?

Civil rights organizations like the NAACP and the ACLU have been vocal about the need for systemic change in law enforcement for decades.

In the context of local policy reform in Minneapolis, for example, there’s a larger movement for change. The fight for justice isn't isolated to one city - it's part of a broader effort to address systemic racism within law enforcement nationwide.

As this convo evolves, there's a growing recognition of the importance of implicit bias training within law enforcement.

This training is seen as a vital tool in combating discriminatory practices and promoting fair treatment for all members of the community.

Alongside implicit bias training, community initiatives focused on de-escalation and restorative justice are also emerging.?

These efforts reflect a broader shift towards a more compassionate and equitable approach to policing, one that prioritizes accountability and healing over punitive measures.

However, the fight for justice is far from over. Instances of police brutality against BIPOCs continue.?

And systemic bias within institutions like housing, the criminal justice system, immigration policies, and education persists.?

And in all cases, the lack of accountability for misconduct remains a significant hurdle for positive change.

The fight will continue, my friends.

Legislative Attacks On CRT

Creating positive change and implementing systemic reforms in the realm of law enforcement and social justice is undoubtedly challenging.?

Despite widespread recognition of the need for change, entrenched systems, institutional resistance, and political polarization often hinder progress.

Moreover, legislative attacks on critical race theory (CRT) further complicate the landscape. CRT, an academic framework that examines how systemic racism operates within societal structures, has become a lightning rod for controversy.?

Some politicians and policymakers (namely, DeSantis) seek to ban or restrict the teaching of CRT in schools, falsely framing it as divisive or unpatriotic.

These legislative attacks not only undermine efforts to address systemic racism but also perpetuate a culture of denial and ignorance. By attempting to silence discussions about race and inequality, these measures impede progress towards meaningful reform and perpetuate the status quo.

However, despite these challenges, it's essential not to lose hope.?

The pushback against DEI and CRT highlights the urgency of the convo surrounding racial justice and the need for continued advocacy and education.?

Change may be slow, and setbacks are inevitable, but history has shown that perseverance and collective action lead to transformative shifts in society.

In the face of adversity, it's crucial to remain steadfast in our commitment to justice and equality.?

We must continue to push for systemic reforms, advocate for marginalized communities, and challenge oppressive systems at every turn.?

Together, we can overcome the obstacles in our path and create a more just and equitable world for all.

[Check out this podcast episode where I talk with fellow guest and hosts about the impact of legislative laws on DEI efforts in the nonprofit sector.]

George Floyd's Death Has Taught Us Powerful Lessons

• Collective action and community organizing have the power to enact change. The global movement sparked by his death is a testament to this.
• The fight for racial justice extends beyond law enforcement. We need to dismantle systemic racism throughout society, from immigrant rights to education and housing to healthcare and employment.
• Individual accountability and open conversations about race are crucial. Each of us has a role to play in dismantling racism, by examining our own biases and advocating for change.

Let's Turn These Lessons Into Action - Here's How You Can Get Involved

• Support organizations working on racial justice reform like the NAACP, the ACLU, or Black Lives Matter.
• Advocate for legislative changes that address police brutality and racial profiling. Contact your local representatives and urge them to support reforms.
• Educate yourself and others about implicit bias and systemic racism. Numerous resources like online courses, documentaries, and books can help us understand these issues better.
• Participate in community dialogues and protests. Raise your voice and stand in solidarity with those fighting for justice.

A Lifetime To Go

Reflecting on George Floyd's tragic death evokes a whirlwind of emotions - sadness, anger, and a profound sense of empathy.

Yet, amid the pain, his memory serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for change.?

As we look to the future, let's channel these emotions into action, fueling our commitment to creating a more just and equitable world.

George Floyd's memory remains a powerful catalyst for change - a rallying cry that echoes across communities and continents.?

His legacy compels us to confront the pervasive injustices that continue to plague our society, demanding accountability and transformation on a systemic level.

As we embark on this journey towards justice, let's not lose sight of the lessons his death has taught us. The global movement sparked by his tragedy demonstrates the profound impact of collective action and community organizing.?

It reminds us that the fight for racial justice extends far beyond the realm of law enforcement, encompassing every facet of our society.

Each of us has a role to play in this ongoing struggle. It requires individual accountability, open conversations about race, and a steadfast commitment to dismantling systemic racism.?

Let's heed the call to action, standing in solidarity with those on the front lines of change.

Together, we can honor George Floyd's memory by building a future where every person is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of the color of their skin.?

Let's turn our grief into fuel for progress, working tirelessly towards a world where justice, equality, and inclusion prevail.

Get Up And Grow!

Raúl T. Pereyra - CEO | RTP Learning

RTP Learning: Helping mission-driven leaders boost their confidence and effectiveness through transformational leadership coaching, so they lead with greater impact.

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