For almost a year, we have watched and participated in the calls for change following the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Three weeks ago, the process of justice moved forward as witnesses, lawyers, medical experts, and police officers described the details of George Floyd’s last hours. On trial were not just the actions of an individual, but the values of our nation. Yesterday, the jury reached a verdict of guilty on all three counts. This verdict delivers "accountability" for the first time for many of our Black and Brown neighbors, but not JUSTICE. Real justice is when our systems, policies, and practices build toward equity for all people. Real justice means dismantling the systems that allow a man to be murdered in this way. At the time of the verdict, we all took a breath, something denied George Floyd, and then learned, just 20 minutes later, that Makhia Bryant, a 16-year old Black girl, was killed by a white police officer in Columbus, Ohio. We are still living and working in systems that devalue Black lives. Mr. Floyd’s family and friends will continue to live immeasurable grief, and the people who saw him die will never forget the horror they witnessed. We must work to reimagine what “public safety” means for all of us. The calls for justice will not end with this verdict. It's time that we, together, provide for every person that lives, works, and breathes in our nation, the full measure of justice that has been long denied. Last November, RCF Connects, launched our Equity Initiative for Black Women and Girls, so that Black women and girls will no longer be overlooked, underestimated, or minimized. We know this is just the beginning, and collectively, there is much more to do. But we cannot wait. George Floyd’s daughter, Gianna Floyd proclaimed, “Daddy changed the world.” It is time WE change the world.
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