The Verdict Is In...
The world changed forever on May 25, 2020, when George Floyd died in the custody of Minneapolis police. As a jury of his peers issued their verdict yesterday following due process, a former police officer was convicted of what many who saw the horrific footage of Mr. Floyd’s death already knew beyond a doubt – George Floyd was murdered.
It’s an understatement to say that the trial and verdict stirred a range of emotions in all of us. For many, it reopened traumatic memories of a year ago when news and footage of the murder first broke. Many people are feeling a sense of relief and others expressing optimism and jubilation that accountability was achieved. Some are still in disbelief that the verdict went the way that it did. I’m feeling all of these things and more. It’s OK if you are, too. I’m also feeling like so many others I've heard from - this was one verdict in one case, but there have been so many other similar trials before with different outcomes.
We all know this verdict isn’t going to bring George Floyd back. What it can do, I hope, is restore a small bit of belief that justice can be won. It can continue to create healthy examinations of and dialogues about systemic racial inequities that span far beyond the criminal justice system. George Floyd was not the first Black person to be killed by police and he wasn’t the last. I’m hopeful that yesterday’s verdict is a decisive victory for the sanctity of life that brings an end to such senseless and callous violence.
This trial brought some necessary truth-telling, and thankfully truth and accountability prevailed. Now it’s time for steps toward restoration and recovery. It’s up to all of us to maintain the momentum toward racial equity that Mr. Floyd’s death ignited – to make certain that this Moment truly continues the Movement.
We are living in a world where it seems human beings in all walks of life are under attack. We can do better. We must do better in creating a safer, more equitable world for all people. I hope that you are with me…..Ben
Executive at MediaRadar
3 年It is up to all of us, "It’s up to all of us to maintain the momentum toward racial equity that Mr. Floyd’s death ignited – to make certain that this Moment truly continues the Movement." ?? Ali Levitan Kevin Messam
Blessed
3 年Just don’t let this situation become a catalyst for more hate. We have more of that in this country than we can handle now!
CEO, Chief Cheerleader & Talent Scout
3 年"Don't find fault, find a remedy." -- Henry Ford
Keynote Speaker | AKF Certified Kidney Health Coach| Helping Black Adults Embrace Healthy Lifestyle Changes | Catalyst For Reducing Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Racial Disparities
3 年So right Ben-Saba...George Floyd's untimely and unjust killing while tragic, has led to an unusal case of justice and accountability that provides an opportunity to advance police reform, racial justice, and civility.
Founder, Better Man Conference | Author | Coach | Keynote Speaker | Ally #DEI #allyship #healthymasculinity
3 年Definitely a LOT of work to be done but so thankful to see truth and accountability setting what I hope will become precedent.