BroadFutures Statement on the Derek Chauvin Conviction
The far too often elusive arc finally bent towards Justice – in all her glory. Tuesday afternoon a jury found former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin guilty in the death of George Floyd on all three criminal counts charged: second degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. We celebrate this moment, while acknowledging that the struggle for racial justice has endured for centuries, and continues. We reached out to our BroadFutures community almost a year ago as we could not sit in silence given the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and so many others. Yet here we are a year later, still confronting the continued violence and killing of Black people at the hands of police – Duante Wright (age 20), Ma’Khia Bryant (16), and Adam Toledo (13) to name just a few.
We recognize the pain of the family of George Floyd and all the families of color who have lost loved ones to police violence. We recognize the pain of the Black people of our own BroadFutures community who are our co-workers, participants, partners, supporters, and friends. We know that the barriers faced by disabled people are significantly more profound for our communities of color, especially those who are confronted by police, and/or become a part of the criminal justice system. We are committed to ensuring that these barriers are eradicated and will work towards a future that ensures that justice, opportunity, protection and support are equal for Black people.
We must continue to seek change and demand that the beautiful arc always and consistently bends towards Justice. We can… and we will do better – together.
