Metro Atlanta, nation react to Chauvin verdict
By Allison Joyner | Saporta Report | April 20, 2021
Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was convicted on all counts of the murder of George Floyd. The incident sparked months of demonstrations across the country.
Tonight, leaders, activists and organizations from around the country are reacting to the outcome of the trial, which concluded Tuesday, April 20.
The tone of many reactions is relief that justice has been administered for a community that often has been overlooked
Below is a compilation of these reactions. This list will grow as significant figures make their statements.
“Across the state of Georgia people stood up and demanded justice for George Floyd. This verdict is an affirmation that democracy can be made to work. The impact of Mr. Floyd will be felt across our state in the new elected officials who were inspired to run on platforms of police and criminal justice system reform and the voters who marched from the streets to the voting booth and supported policy reform.”
Andrea Young, executive director of the ACLU of Georgia
“The conviction of Derek Chauvin sends the message that we can and will hold officers accountable. But, it’s important to note this is only the beginning. This one case, this instance of justice, is what is deserved and overdue for so many other families.”
U.S. Representative Nikema Williams (GA-05)
“Today begins the required change of a criminal justice system that has failed Black people for far too long.”
Antiono Brown, Atlanta City Council, District 3
“Tonight, the family and loved ones of George Floyd can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing justice has been served in his tragic death.”
U.S. Representative Carolyn Bourdeaux (GA-07)
“We profoundly appreciate that a measure of justice has been served by the jury’s decision, but today is not a day to celebrate. Rather, it is a time for somber remembrance of George Floyd and all the lives those lost to unjustified police violence.”
National Council of Negro Women
“Today, America is on the right side of history with the jury in Minneapolis finding Derek Chauvin guilty on all three counts. This decision of the jury shows that in America when we hear all the evidence, see all the evidence and examine it with an open and fair mind, justice can be found in America.”
Khadijah Abdur-Rahman, Fulton County Commissioner
“As tragedies have propelled our nation into a level of needed consciousness and action in the past, it is my sincere hope that the tragic death of George Floyd will forever be our reminder that the work towards reform, healing and reconciliation is not a one time event. We must continue this work if we ever hope to truly be one nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all.”
Keisha Lance Bottoms, Mayor City of Atlanta
“Today, justice has been served. The prosecution scored a slam dunk and the jury agreed.”
Hank Johnson, U.S. Representative (GA-04)
“The Georgia Legislative Black Caucus appreciates that justice was served today with Derek Chauvin being found guilty on all three counts for the death of George Floyd. We pray the family and friends of Mr. Floyd can find a modicum of peace and closure.”
Tanya Anderson, Chairwoman Georgia Legislative Black Caucus
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April 21, 9:00 a.m.
America has a long history of systemic racism. Black Americans and Black men in particular have been treated throughout the course of our history as less than human.
Vice President Kamala Harris
The systemic racism is a stain on our nation’s soul. The knee on the neck of justice for Black Americans. Profound fear and trauma. The pain, the exhaustion that Black and brown Americans experience every single day.
It’s a trauma on top of the fear so many people of color live with every day when they go to sleep at night and pray for the safety of themselves and their loved ones.
President Joe Biden
Although Chauvin was found guilty this nation still faces an arduous journey toward implementing the demands of justice.
Our hearts go out to George Floyd’s family and to the families and communities across this nation who have been violated by an institution designated by badges to “protect and serve.”
The King Center