“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere” – Martin Luther King Jr
“I CAN’T BREATHE” …the final words from George Floyd. After his tragic death and during the trial for his justice, his words echo to his family, who felt as though they could not breathe.
Finally, after months and months of waiting, on April 20th 2021, the George Floyd murder trial found Derek Chauvin to be guilty of ALL charges (second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter). This is a monumental moment for what it symbolises for the black community; a sense of relief and justice. However, it is more that accountability has been achieved rather than justice, as the fight for true equality is still ongoing…a fight that has unified millions of people across the world to come together. A bittersweet moment of hope, tears and the reminder of how far we have yet to go on the journey to justice.
Millions emotionally gathered to wait as the verdict was soon to be reached…a moment where time stood still, whilst heartbeats were racing...whether it was at home watching the live verdict on the TV, or physically unified and rejoicing at George Floyd Square, Minnesota.
This was an unforgettable moment in history.
“THE JURY FIND DEREK CHAUVIN GUILTY…”
In just a few seconds, a time of quietness and patience quickly transformed into uproarious cheer and relief, encompassing tears and the raw beauty and warmth of people embracing each other, overwhelmed with emotions of happiness and love. Here are some of the unapologetically expressive and moving reactions after hearing the verdict:
“We are able to breathe again…I feel relieved today.” – Philonese Floyd (George Floyd’s Brother)
“I am so so happy right now…my brother got justice, and that’s very rare.” – LaTonya Floyd (George Floyd’s Sister)
“I feel emboldened…this makes us unstoppable.” – a crowd member at George Floyd Square
This is an empowering and hopeful historical event in helping to make the Black Lives Matter movement more impactful and speak volumes, so that other victims of racially motivated murders, such as Breonna Taylor, Tamir Rice and Daunte Wright, can have a greater chance at reaching justice. The rippling effects of this trial has given a sense of faith and light for the younger generation of black people and for future generations to come, so that one day black people will not have to walk in fear of their lives, so that peace can equality can come into fruition.
Until then…
NO JUSTICE, NO PEACE!
…the battle and road to freedom – freedom from the chains of the cuffs forced onto George Floyd’s wrists, freedom from the invisible chains from centuries of oppression and racism towards black people, freedom from hate – continues to occur. Yet this time, the legacy of George Floyd has increased strength by people of all backgrounds all around the world to stand together.
His legacy will live on forever.
‘You may shoot me with your words, you may cut me with your eyes, you may kill me with your hatefulness, but still, like air, I’ll rise.’ – Maya Angelou (‘And Still I Rise’)
Written By Saambavii Suthakaran, Caterham High School
Here are some key videos reagrding the verdict reaction for the George Floyd trial:
Watch George Floyd's family in Houston react to Derek Chauvin trial verdict - YouTube
George Floyd's family vows to 'keep fighting' for just policing after Chauvin verdict - YouTube
Cheers erupt outside courtroom as Chauvin guilty verdict is delivered - YouTube
