Statement on the verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial

You could hear a collective sigh of relief in the African American community today as the verdict was read. As a Black woman, married to a Black man, and with two Black boys, my heart was lightened a bit by the justice that was served with the guilty on all counts verdict for Derek Chauvin.

Since we saw the events on that tragic day, hearts have been heavy, tensions have mounted, mothers clinch their children tighter, and many haven’t had a restful night of sleep after witnessing the murder of George Floyd on that agonizing video. Hearts that were already heavy from years of Black men and women being murdered at the hands of officers.

Justice has finally been served, where we weren’t hopeful it would be.

Today, I feel like justice has finally been served, but the fight isn’t over yet. We need to see increased training, qualified immunity removed, diversion programs, and more dollars allocated to prevention.

Today was a day for justice, but much more work lies ahead for our nation, our state and our great city.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.