Justice Finally! The Right Thing Done!

Before the Verdict

 Monday, April 20^, 2021, I physically reported to my work location. As I traveled in the wake of numerous attacks on Asians, I would usually feel frightened fearing that an attack would take place on the train I was on. However, this day was different. Instead of fear, I felt nervous about what the day would be like knowing that the verdict may be reached on this day in the trial of Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer who used his knee on George Floyd’s neck as a deadly weapon that ended Floyd’s life as witnesses looked on in horror! I was filled with anxiety. Crowds were building. Cities were on high alert and many stores were boarded up. At the World Trade Center, where I work, SWAT teams and police armed with rifles were posted around the building, all in anticipation of what could occur depending on the verdict – for me the eerie sense of another injustice without punishment hung in the air. Another killer may be set free.

Tell-Tale of History

Checking my phone throughout the day for updates, my body shivered in anticipation. The feeling was almost the same as I felt during the 2020 election; panicky of what could be if Trump was re-elected. We’ve been here before. Seeing injustices play out where Black lives don’t matter. Why do I say this? I say this because history has played a large role in the life of Black people where we do not trust the system. Building up our feelings of hopelessness when we are wrongfully targeted, disrespected, dehumanized, and murdered, and abused by those who are charged with the protection of the people. Let me say that all cops are not bad cops. There are many good police officers out there. You do have those who testified against Chauvin, although I’m not sure if they were doing a good deed or were afraid that they may face some charges for being there and doing nothing.

History has shown us time and time again that people or should I say Black and Brown people, are not protected but hunted. The United States Constitution was written to protect others, but not Black people in America, considering us not even a whole person, but three-fifths of a free individual as indicated in Article 1, Section 2 of the document. Note that some may have a different interpretation of what this Article and Section mean – but we know better. The tell tales of history are still very real today.

If it Had Not Been for Darnella Fraizer

Those standing on the sidewalk on that day watching the murder unfold may have felt helpless in the moment as they shouted for the officer to take his knee off of Floyd. Shouting “he’s not breathing.” But they weren’t helpless at all. They did all they could with their voice to stop what was happening. Darnella Fraizer was 17 years old when she filmed the video of George Floyd’s infamous arrest and murder that fateful day in May of 2020. Frazier, as she testified at Chauvin’s trial said she has “stayed up some nights “apologizing and apologizing to George Floyd for not doing more and not physically interacting and saving his life.” She didn’t think it then, but she did get involved and she did do something. She got involved by capturing the most optimal evidence possible, the video!

The Verdict Is In

After almost a year, the trial was underway. Testimony after testimony pointed to a possible victory. To reiterate, history has proven a victory to be unlikely. With closing arguments concluding, the verdict was in the hands of the jury. On April 20^th, at around 4 pm, I was informed that the verdict was in, but not announced what that verdict was. It had become necessary to start my journey home fearing the worst and not wanting to be caught in the streets if my fears were realized. By the time I reached home, CNN was minutes away from the Judge’s reading of the verdict. I sat holding onto my chair as if I was watching a suspenseful horror movie! Shifting to quietly praying, I could only think of my Black son and daughter and how what happened to George Floyd and others, could happen to them. Why? Because again, that’s what history taught us. But we are resilient people, who no matter what is done to us, we triumph.

Time felt like it was moving slowly, again, the announcement was only minutes away. Finally. Breaking News! CNN switches to the courtroom as Judge Peter Cahill enters. All stand. Then all sit down. Chauvin appeared to be in a daze while waiting for the jury to arrive. The courtroom was silent as they waited for the verdict to be was read. The judge, asking if the jury had reached a verdict, the bailiff handed the manila envelope to Judge Cahill. And the verdict is……I was practically hanging on the edge of my chair and taking a deep breath as each charge and outcome was read. Third Degree Murder – Guilty. Second Degree Murder – Guilty. Second Degree Manslaughter – Guilty. Chauvin appeared unmoved. I looked at his ears to see if they were turning red as some ears do when emotions are high. His weren’t. Probably because he was in shock thinking he would get off like others in the past. In any event, Guilty on all three counts in the death of George Floyd! Hallelujah!!!! Say His Name! This is what justice looks like – accountability.

FYI, for you Bible readers, the number three is one of the most important numbers throughout the Bible. It is a number of God’s presence and of completeness. Hearing those words – Guilty on All Charges brought tears to my eyes and praises to my God. I imaged hearing George Floyd’s voice as he cried out for his mother and saying to the enemy as his life slipped away “you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today” (Gen 50:20).

Next up – The Sentencing Process

The judge said that the court would look at written arguments from Chauvin “within one week” and issue factual findings on it. Then they will order a pre-sentencing investigation report, “returnable in four weeks.” That will be followed by a briefing on the pre-sentencing investigation report six weeks from now. Until then, the prosecution team asks that Chauvin be held without bail until sentencing. The judge granted their request. Chauvin was remanded into custody, put in handcuffs, and taken to jail! What an amazing sight to see. Chauvin faces the maximum sentence for second-degree unintentional murder –  imprisonment of not more than 40 years. The maximum sentence for third-degree murder is imprisonment of not more than 25 years. The maximum sentence for second-degree manslaughter is 10 years and/or $20,000. Will he get the max? We just have to wait and see.

Where Do We Go From Here?

Yes, this is a historical verdict and an important step forward for justice. Millions refuse to look away. They now bear witness to our struggles and today we are victorious! This is not over. Don’t get it twisted. In the midst of all the celebrations, someone said, a measure of justice does not mean equal justice. Wow! Let us not forget what we’re up against. There’s still more work to do. Former President Barack Obama said, “the jury did the right thing,” adding “we cannot rest.” More people can do the right thing. One down and many more to go. Vice President Kamala Harris and President Biden addressed the country calling the verdict a “giant step forward in the march towards justice in America.” The President said he talked to Floyd’s daughter and told her, “daddy did change the world.” I second that! Yes, justice! Yes, peace!