Friend,

A jury found Derek Chauvin guilty on all three counts for the murder of George Floyd. The verdict feels like a partial relief because, too often until now, there have been no consequences for the murders of Black, Indigenous, and brown people at the hands of law enforcement. The verdict also feels inadequate, because millions of us witnessed the violent video, and we know that police violence like this often has no witness or evidence for justice to be served.

Today, justice was not served. We received accountability for George Floyd, his family, and our communities. We bore witness, we took to the streets, and we demanded vindication. But in the same moment the verdict was delivered in Minnesota, police in Columbus, Ohio shot and killed Ma'Khia Bryant, a 16-year-old Black girl.

From here, we have to continue the fight to move from accountability to true justice: A world in which George Floyd would still be alive today. Ma'Khia Bryant should be alive today. Daunte Wright should be alive today. Adam Toledo should be alive today. Breonna Taylor should be alive today.

True justice is when the police cherish and protect life instead of fearing and endangering it.

True justice is when families can access and receive healing and support for their traumas and losses from all parts of our society without fear.

True justice is when Black, Indigenous, and brown people can breathe easy and move freely without limits and without fearing for our lives.

True justice is when we fully acknowledge and root out white supremacy and colonialism to reimagine a new future together.

True justice is within reach, if we continue to do the work.

Rejoice in accountability, and commit to true justice.

With love and in solidarity,

Irene, along with Angela, Annie, Caitlin, Deepthi, Jay, Lindsay, LisaMarie, Molly, Raquel, and Scottie (the Courage team)