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 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.

 

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.

“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.

Meanwhile, the rest of the world took the virtual and real-life streets to celebrate the verdict.

Other reactions reminded us that the conviction isn’t the norm.

 

Chauvin will be sentenced in eight weeks. He will remain in jail until then.