A little under a year ago, our community was shaken (yet again) by the unlawful murder of George Floyd at the hand of Derek Chavin and the Minneapolis Police Department. And yesterday, while the Floyd family and his community continued to mourn, we all watched as the verdict for Chavin was read; many of us worried for the aftermath and fearful of what would come next.
While the verdict delivered was that of guilty of all three charges, it is important to reiterate that there should have been no doubt of his guilt. The results of this verdict were a result of accountability and much more will need to be done to truly transform a system with a history of racism and disregard for Black people and Black bodies.
Here in North Carolina we will hold true to our duty of holding the decision makers such as elected leaders accountable in seeking justice for lives taken and working with them to reimagine law enforcement agencies in the state of North Carolina.
Our hearts continue to be with George Floyds' family, friends, and loved ones. We hope that this is a time for continued healing and that, in their eyes, some form of justice was served. Our hearts and prayers are with you all.
In solidarity,
Tatiana M. Canada
Chair, YDNC Black Caucus
Kelvin Stallings
Vice-Chair, YDNC Black Caucus
Councilwoman Shakeyla M Ingram
Vice-Chair, YDNC Black Caucus
Dorian Cromartie
Secretary, YDNC Black Caucus