On May 25, 2020, Derek Chauvin kneeled on George Floyd’s neck for nine minutes and 29 seconds after arresting him for allegedly trying to use a counterfeit $20 bill. Yesterday, the world watched and listened as the jury for this case returned a verdict -  guilty on all counts. The relief reverberated around the world. Chauvin would be held accountable for his actions.

Accountability is a step in the right direction, but it does not equal justice. Justice requires we dismantle the systemic racism that exists in our society. We must continue to reform our unjust and racist policing systems until every American is free from oppression. We recognize that racist systems will not change overnight and despite this verdict racialized communities continue to be the victims of police violence. At the Rian Immigrant Center, we are committed to dismantling systemic racism and working towards a society that values equitable opportunities and protections for all.