View this message on our website: [link removed]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Child Defender,
After the weeks of testimony and attorneys trying to put the victim on trial and a year of uprisings for justice for George Floyd and so many others, a decision has been made.
Finally yesterday, one police officer, Derek Chauvin, was held accountable for choking the life out of a father crying out for his mother. But today, George Floyd's young daughter, Gianna, still wonders if she can trust people sworn to protect her. Her family, friends, and neighbors still face the day in risk of being gunned down because they are going for a jog, picking something up from the store, or hanging air freshener in their car.
To be clear, yesterday's verdict did not constitute justice. Justice would require George Floyd's return to be able to embrace his child.
This jury offered accountability and a sign that transformation of the systems built for justice is possible if we don't relent. We've seen officer after officer walk free after taking our lives. We've heard their excuses accepted and the motives of innocent victims our fallen brothers and sisters questioned. As if breathing while Black is reason enough for our death.
We will continue to gather in the coming days. Not to celebrate a verdict, but to mourn the loss of George Floyd. We grieve the need to pass this way. With the killing of Daunte Wright nearby, thirteen-year-old Adam Toledo cut down in Chicago, and sixteen-year-old Ma'Khia Bryant lost in Columbus, Ohio as the verdict came down, we know we will be here again.
But, we do not grieve as those who have no hope. We gather in power. We love and support one another. We will reimagine public safety in our communities, so our children can play and thrive.
Today we mourn. Tonight we dream. Tomorrow, we continue the fight.
For our children,
Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson
President & CEO
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Facebook: [link removed]
Twitter: [link removed]
Instagram: [link removed]
YouTube: [link removed]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unsubscribe: [link removed]
View this message on our website: [link removed]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Children's Defense Fund: [link removed]
All rights reserved
Click the link below to view this message as HTML in your browser:
[link removed]
Click the link below to forward this message:
[link removed]
Click the link below to change your email preferences:
[link removed]
