FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | April 20, 2021
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In response to the guilty verdict against Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd, Alliance for Safety and Justice released the following statement.
“We honor George Floyd and hold his family and loved ones in our hearts. Today’s verdict provides an important measure of accountability for his murder, yet we know it cannot erase the loss, pain and trauma.
“Safety is a fundamental right, and too often the criminal justice system has failed to protect Black communities. We must acknowledge the failure of our public safety systems — in cities, states and across the country — to keep all communities safe, to operate with the same level of concern, responsiveness, and respect across all communities and that we all deserve. The justice system has, for too long, disregarded communities of color and contributed to cycles of violence and trauma. It’s urgent that we end the systemic harm and indifference, and invest in communities that have been most harmed and provided with the least help.
“Every person that has ever had to bury a loved one taken by violence is in our hearts. Beyond today, justice means changing our nation’s approach to public safety to value Black lives and invest in communities – community leadership, community solutions, community safety. While today’s decision ends this trial, the fight for ‘shared safety’ continues.”
