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 
Thanks as always for sharing thoughts . I am a firm believer in epistemic justice : ” I may not agree with what you say , but will defend your right to say it”- However , I bristle when I hear Candice Owen . My heart in hiding aches for Dr Benjamin Carson . I find Tim Scott so disingenuous . Their black skin , akin to mine does not make them experts of my pain , nor the pain of all on the globe with more melanin content .
Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
The challenge, especially to white people, is to be sure we work politically at a national and state level and in our local communities to dramatically change policing policies, people, training, funding, and accountability– and then insure that Chauvin’s conviction is not an aberration. Most importantly, we have to shift the national narrative so that the crime he was convicted of is no longer commonplace without sparking rage in whites too.
Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts.