The conviction of killer cop Derek Chauvin has Black America breathing a collective sigh of relief after months of waiting for accountability for the murder of George Floyd.
The American justice system did the bare minimum on Wednesday afternoon when a Minneapolis jury convicted Chauvin of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Judge Peter Cahill revoked the former Minneapolis Police officer’s bail and ordered him into custody, reported CNN.
A statement from Floyd’s family and civil rights attorney Ben Crump highlighted the historical implications of Chauvin’s conviction.
“Painfully earned justice has arrived for George Floyd’s family and the community here in Minneapolis, but today’s verdict goes far beyond this city and has significant implications for the country and even the world. Justice for Black America is justice for all of America,” the statement read. “This case is a turning point in American history for accountability of law enforcement and sends a clear message we hope is heard clearly in every city and every state.”
The Chauvin decision has drawn passionate reactions from famous folks including politicians, celebrities and family members of other slain Black people.
Former President Barack Obama praised the jury for making the only logical decision in this case.
“Today, a jury did the right thing. But true justice requires much more,” he wrote. “Michelle and I send our prayers to the Floyd family, and we stand with all those who are committed to guaranteeing every American the full measure of justice that George and so many others have been denied.”
Today, a jury did the right thing. But true justice requires much more. Michelle and I send our prayers to the Floyd family, and we stand with all those who are committed to guaranteeing every American the full measure of justice that George and so many others have been denied. pic.twitter.com/mihZQHqACV
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) April 20, 2021
“Today justice has been served but we are not fighting for justice for all of the victims and families for haven’t received theirs,” Tamika Palmer, Breonna Taylor’s mother, wrote on Twitter.
Today justice has been served but we are not fighting for justice for all of the victims and families for haven’t received theirs 💯
This isn’t over #BreonnaTaylor #AhmaudArbery #AdamToledo #JacobBlake #DaunteWright #SeanMonterrosa
— Tamika Palmer (@TamikaPalmer911) April 20, 2021
Philando Castille’s mother, Valerie, told CNN “there nothing indisputable from the beginning” of the Floyd case.
Reactions poured in left and right as the world released some of the trauma they’ve been holding for the past 11 months.
PRAISE GOD!!!! Guilty!!!!
— Keke Palmer (@KekePalmer) April 20, 2021
“A guilty #verdict. But this fight for justice is not over. We have a lot of work to do. There is more fight ahead of us. But RIGHT NOW please take CARE of yourself. And let’s take care of each other. Prayers and love to the family of #GeorgeFloyd,” wrote actress Kerry Washington.
A guilty #verdict. But this fight for justice is not over. We have a lot of work to do. There is more fight ahead of us. But RIGHT NOW please take CARE of yourself. And let’s take care of each other. Prayers and love to the family of #GeorgeFloyd.
— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) April 20, 2021
Oh, that George Floyd were still alive.
But I’m thankful for accountability.
The work continues.
Justice is a continuum.
And America must bend with the moral arc of the universe, which bends toward justice.
— Be A King (@BerniceKing) April 20, 2021
feeling every emotion after this news.. rest peacefully, you will live on forever🤍✨ pic.twitter.com/b9zm8ExIRw
— Halle (@HalleBailey) April 20, 2021
It was so satisfying watching Derek Chauvin being led out of the court in handcuffs after the verdict.
The fight for justice continues, but we can savor this one.
— BrooklynDad_Defiant! (@mmpadellan) April 21, 2021
Meanwhile, the rest of the world took the virtual and real-life streets to celebrate the verdict.
Thinking of Trayvon Martin.
Thinking of Sandra Bland.
Thinking of Eric Garner.
Thinking of Breonna Taylor.
Thinking of all beautiful souls lost to police brutality. My heartaches.
My prayers are with George Floyd's family.— Liz (@onceADDAI) April 20, 2021
This is the scene at George Floyd Square, where hundreds have now gathered to cheer and celebrate the guilty verdict. #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd pic.twitter.com/nAnfrSvPn7
— Sahan Journal (@SahanJournal) April 20, 2021
Other reactions reminded us that the conviction isn’t the norm.
when you see politicians over here ‘celebrating’ the derek chauvin guilty verdict, just remember that not a single police officer has been succesfully prosecuted for deaths in police custody since 1971
— pez 🇬🇭 (@periuspb) April 21, 2021
Chauvin will be sentenced in eight weeks. He will remain in jail until then.
