The America Votes Senior Leadership Team released the following statement after yesterday’s Chauvin trial verdict:

“Yesterday marked the end of the justice system’s case for one victim. And yet, we want to reiterate that regardless of the jury’s guilty verdicts, the moment that we all witnessed last summer is something that will never stop haunting us, and for the members of George Floyd’s family, no verdict will ever bring him back into their lives.

“We must also remember that this is only one decision in one case against one officer, and it brings neither justice nor accountability to the countless other officers who have unjustifiably murdered Black and Brown people in this country. For too many of us, the public murder of George Floyd was not the first time that we knew of a Black man who was killed by a person who took an oath to serve and protect the community. And unfortunately, it will not be the last time. But the vibrant movement launched to confront systemic racism in policing and at so many levels of power in this country has made this moment of accountability possible.

“As we continue this work together, we acknowledge that folks will process the news of the verdict, and the continued cycle of police violence, differently as the trauma and burden of these unjust systems are inequitably shared along lines of race. As leaders in our community, please keep this in mind as you engage with each other throughout the week.

“We want to reiterate our resolve to fight for change across the country and in our communities.

“We are so grateful for the work America Votes staff and partners do everyday to fight for the entire spectrum of justice. AV stands by our partners, our colleagues, and community in mourning and in celebration.”

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The America Votes Senior Leadership Team is comprised of: Greg Speed, President; Sara Schreiber, Executive Director; Tanya Brown, Chief of Staff; Daria Dawson, Political Director; Daniel Gonzales, Director of Planning and Program Analysis;  Evan Kost, Director of Development and Investment Relations; Shabab Siddiqui, Director of Data and Targeting; and Josiette White, Field Director.

America Votes is the central coordination hub of the progressive community both nationally and in more than 20 states across the country, working with more than 400 state and national partner organizations to advance progressive policies, win elections and protect every American’s right to vote. Visit www.americavotes.org for more information.