Friend,

George Floyd should still be alive. Yesterday’s verdict will not bring him back to his family, but it can and must be a moment to finally pass real and meaningful reforms to address police misconduct and racial bias.

Injustice and inequity will not stop because of one trial. We must remember that this verdict was possible because of a nine-minute video (bravely filmed by a teenager who could tell right from wrong) -- a rare public exposure of the type of misconduct that far too often is swept under the rug. And even with this evidence, it was an open question whether accountability would prevail, because time and time again, we've seen excessive force and abuse of power go unchecked.

We need to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act now, because the systemic inequality that led to his death -- and the deaths of so many Black Americans -- cannot continue.

I hope Mr. Floyd's family can find a measure of peace after yesterday. And I hope that yesterday will serve as a rallying call to all who've marched and spoken out this past year that the fight continues -- and that their work is making a difference.

Sincerely,

Jennifer