Almost one year ago, we all bore witness to George Floyd’s murder at the hands of former police officer Derek Chauvin. Yesterday, Chauvin was found guilty on all charges in George Floyd’s murder. While the guilty verdict is an important judgment and moment of accountability, we know that the fight for true justice continues. The systems that enabled George Floyd and many other Black men, women and children, to be murdered at the hands of police officers are still fully intact. These are the same systems that have led to communities of color disproportionately affected by unemployment, mass incarceration and lack of access to quality healthcare and housing. We know that it will take continued effort and commitment to dismantle systemic barriers to equality.

After yesterday’s verdict was read, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison remarked: “I would not call today’s verdict ‘justice,’ however, because justice implies true restoration. But it is accountability, which is the first step towards justice. And now the cause of justice is in your hands. And when I say your hands, I mean the hands of the people of the United States.”

The cause of justice is in our hands. It will take all of us, particularly those of us with privilege, to amplify the voices fighting for change. Housing Up remains committed to ending systemic racism and creating a world where all families have a chance to thrive. Yesterday’s verdict was a small step on our continued walk for justice.

Photo credit: Mark McClain/Washington Post