There will be justice for George Floyd’s family. The Derek Chauvin trial is over. He has been proven guilty in a court of law by a jury of his peers. Black communities across the nation reacted with a sigh of relief. Simultaneously, people of every ethnicity take to the streets and social media to protest the recent execution of young black people by law enforcement. Chauvin proven guilty is the first step.
Had it not been for the continuous video of George Floyd’s demise, chances are Mr. Chauvin’s future would be different. The video has been seen around the world. It demanded a response of mass protest. Individuals from all walks of life came out. People marched and said his name in every language and dialect. It’s the look on Mr. Chauvin’s face as the life of George Floyd fades that have been etched in the minds of all of us.
Mr. Chauvin will be sentenced eight weeks from now. The question is, will the sentence given be the proper punishment for the crime? Other families who have lost loved ones to bad policing practices have renewed hope. Chauvin proven guilty speaks volumes for other officers who decide to use their firearms recklessly.
Hopefully, this event will set a precedent for the law enforcement prosecution process. The days of leaving reports blank and making empty excuses for the abuse of authority are coming to an end. Congress put forth The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021 bill,. It has already pass through the House of Representatives. It sits idle in the Senate. It’s time to pressure the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021 to be enacted into law.
Chauvin proven guilty is just the start. We, the people, have to continue to let our elected officials who represent us know why things have to change to make us better as a nation.