Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation Statement on the Verdict in the Chauvin Trial

On Tuesday, April 20, 2021, twelve men and women convicted former policeman Derek Chauvin of murdering George Floyd.  Rejoicing and relief followed.  Those reactions were accompanied by an immediate and growing recognition that the momentous verdict was but a turning point in the much more complex and critical task: ending prejudices, practices, and racism in all its guises.

Two eminent African American leaders articulated this challenging mission in the following words:

Keith Ellison, Attorney General for the State of Minnesota:

"I would not call today’s verdict justice because justice implies restoration.  But it is accountability, which is the first step toward justice.  Now the cause of justice is in your hands."

Barack Obama, former President of the United States:

"While today’s verdict may have been a necessary step on the road to progress, it was far from a sufficient one.  We cannot rest.  We will need to follow through with the concrete reforms that will reduce and eliminate racial bias in our criminal justice system."

The Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation affirms the joy in this critical verdict and recognizes that the work ahead will be challenging, arduous, but rewarding as the fight for justice and equality always is.