Justice, Long Delayed, Arrives with George Floyd Verdict
As we contemplate the verdict in the George Floyd murder trial Dr. King’s words come to mind — “the moral arc of the universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”
His words were prophetic because as African Americans our wait for justice has been long in coming. That bending toward justice is chattel slavery long, Emmett Till long, Fred Hampton Long, Rodney King long. 12 men and women in a courtroom in Minneapolis showed us that justice, when achieved, can be life affirming.
Yet, even in this triumph we cannot forget all that has been lost. A father, a son, a brother, a friend. George Floyd was all those things, and no matter the verdict he cannot be replaced in their hearts and minds. But, he has now become a guidepost for all of us left behind. A guide that shows us that there is merit to our actions, to our protests, to our demands for justice and that the system can bend to the people’s will when the people stand up for what is right.
We still face so much, and as we celebrate we also mourn. We mourn the police killings of Daunte Wright in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, Adam Toledo here in Chicago and so many more whose families were not afforded a just verdict. We wait to see if justice will be realized again and again.
Here’s what we do now:
· Take a deep breath — collectively we’ve been holding our breath since George Floyd was killed last May.
· Take care of ourselves and each other — connect with friends and love ones.
· Call 202–499–6085 to voice your support for H.R.7120 — George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020. Two roll call votes have been held on the bill to date.
· Use your voice in all elections and if you’re not registered to vote do it today.
· Continue to #SayHisName.
Justice, how sweet the sound.
Patricia Andrews-Keenan
