April 20, 2021, was a consequential day in the history of the United States. The extent is yet to be determined.
WHAT HAPPENED
A White former police officer was found guilty on all three counts for the murder of a Black man.
It was a sad commentary on a democracy when its people waited with bated breath to see if justice would be served.
Supportive responses about social justice were made by the country’s vice president and president:
- “A measure of justice isn’t the same as equal justice.” (Vice President Kamala Harris)
- “‘I can’t breathe. I can’t breathe.’…We have to keep hearing those words. We must not turn away.” (President Joe Biden)
HOPE
The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020 (H.R. 7120) will pass in the U.S. Senate and go forward for President Biden’s signature.
NOTE: H.R. 7120 was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives more than 10 months ago, on June 25, 2020.
FEAR
H.R 7120 is unlikely to pass in the U.S. Senate because any national efforts for racial justice in policing and in the criminal justice system are likely to be stifled by systemic and cultural enablers who fear that change will make it seem that all humans are equal and deserve to be treated so.
Gwen Dungy 