Today the criminal trial of Derek Chauvin began. Less than a year ago the murder of George Floyd revealed a long festering wound in the United States. That would started with the original slave catchers of the 19th century and carries on with today’s police.
The history of policing in America is inextricably tied to the legalized oppression of black people and other people who do not fall into the category of white. Todays trial opened with a tape of Derek Chauvin with his knee on Floyds neck. No matter how many times you see it the impact never dissipates. What those who witnessed the event and those who have seen the tape observed was a summary execution carried out in broad daylight.
As much as this trial is about Derek Chauvin it’s also about revealing a systemic culture of policing in America. We would do well to watch and learn from this trial. The outcome will be pivotal in determining the future of policing in America.
THINK!!
EYES WIDE 👀 OPEN!!!