Minnesota v. Chauvin
On April 20, Derek Chauvin, the officer who killed George Floyd, was found guilty of second and third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Second-degree murder carries a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison. Third-degree murder has a maximum penalty of 25 years. Second-degree manslaughter has a maximum of 10 years. The jury of six Black and multiracial people, and six White people, deliberated for just 10 hours over two days, before coming back with its verdict. Chauvin’s stunning conviction on all charges marks only the second time in Minnesota history that a police officer has been convicted of murder, and the first time a White officer who killed a Black man, has been convicted.
The ruling was a watershed moment in American history. Ben Crump, an attorney for Floyd’s family, stated “this case is a turning point in American history for accountability of law enforcement and sends a clear message we hope is heard in every city and every state.” Indeed, millions of people, particularly African Americans, celebrated the ruling as a victory for accountability, if not justice. Others have described the ruling as “progress.” I remind the latter, however, of the deceptive nature of that term. When answering a question about progress, assassinated Black liberation leader, Malcolm X, placed the notion in proper context: “if you stick a knife in my back 9 inches and pull it out 6 inches, that's not progress. If you pull it all the way out, that's not progress. Progress is healing the wound that the blow made. They haven't pulled the knife out; they won't even admit that it's there."
Chauvin’s conviction was a monumental, yet singular affirmation of the systemic dagger of criminal injustice still embedded in Black backs. Absolute institutionalized White power, fear, fragility, anger and violence, has corrupted absolutely. We are far from parity as a result. This is the moral abyss from which our nation must emerge. Moreover, and as we claw our way to the light, millions who have enjoyed epidermal privilege and power, especially those who are intimidated by the ever-expanding resolve and authority wielded by communities of color, will, like a singularity, try to maintain their comfort zones by not allowing our light to escape.
People of color recognize and appreciate “progress,” we are simply less interested in advancement per se, than we are in the immediate recognition of our humanity and rights, as outlined in our Constitution and Bill of Rights. That is our complete and unfettered access to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Most of us are honored to walk the path with anyone who is committed to this goal. Four hundred years of struggle, however, will not end with one or two high profile instances of accountability. Like the great civil rights leader, Fannie Lou Hammer proclaimed, “we didn't come all this way for no two seats when all of us is tired."
Dr. Matthew C. Whitaker, a decorated educator, diversity, equity, and inclusion specialist, author, community engagement leader, and motivational speaker, is the Founder and CEO of Diamond Strategies, LLC. He can be followed on Twitter at @Dr_Whitaker and DSC can be followed on Twitter at @dstategiesllc.
Image: A mural of George Floyd in Denver.