This Moment is Ours: Derek Chauvin, is Convicted of all Charges for the Murder of George Floyd

On April 20, 2021, Derek Chauvin, former Minnesota police officer, was convicted of all charges for the murder of George Floyd.

As I awaited the verdict in my living room, I couldn’t help but think of all the Black bodies that have been unjustly killed by police, and those whose cases never made it to court.

I couldn’t help but think of all the Black families that have been forced to mourn the loss of their loved ones that were taken too soon.

I couldn’t help but think of all the Black children that have had to grow up without a parent because America still sees Black bodies as disposable.

I couldn’t help but think of all the Black families that have had to re-live the trauma of seeing another lifeless Black body lie on the streets, and played on loop in the news cycle.

As I awaited the verdict in my living room, I couldn’t help but think that the verdict may read just like the rest. No conviction. No acknowledgement. Just another day in this United States of America.

But, this verdict was different. Derek Chauvin was convicted of all charges for the murder of George Floyd. While the judge read the charges and the jurors’ statements, I found myself in disbelief. Is this moment real?

AsI continue to sit with this moment, I want to reassure myself and you to remember that whatever this moment is — this moment is ours. Take the time you need to process. Take the time you need to cry. Take the time you need to heal. Take the time you need to celebrate. Take the time you need to be still. Take the time you need.

This moment is ours.