Justice for George Floyd: Our Response to the Chauvin Trial Verdict
On Tuesday 20th April, a US jury found former police officer Derek Chauvin guilty of the murder of George Floyd.
Along with communities across the US, and the world, we waited for the verdict to be announced. And while the outcome is one that we were hoping for, we also recognise that there is still a way to go in order for systematic change to happen, and for justice to be served in all cases. The jury’s verdict held Derek Chauvin to account for his actions and in turn, there was accountability for when Black life is taken at the hands of police – but there is still work to do.
At City Year UK, we are proud to be actively anti-racist, and we value the diversity of our community. We are dedicated to supporting every young person that we work with who has shared their experiences of institutionalised racism with us, and to addressing the attainment gap within education, in order to help every child reach their highest potential. And as a team, we will continue to discuss diversity, inclusion and racism within open forums, as well as exploring published texts and current affairs. These may sometimes be difficult conversations, but they are necessary to educate ourselves and give space to voices and views that may otherwise have gone unheard.
We stand with the Black community, with George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Daunte Wright and countless others whose lives have been taken at the hands of the police – and we hope that the jury’s decision has brought their loved ones a measure of relief and comfort.
Artwork of George Floyd created by Nikkolas Smith and used with permission – please do visit his account at @nikkolas_smith on IG, and check out more of his work.
Related stories
On 12 November 2024, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy unveiled that the government had taken the decision to wind down National...
Read more about Statement from City Year UK following the recent government announcement that National Citizen Service will be closed downCongratulations to all the students receiving their GCSE results today and your teachers who have supported you over the...
Read more about Top GCSE grades fall as the attainment gap between private and state schools widens and regional disparities remain unchanged.As an organisation that has seen first-hand the power of a year of service for young people and their communities,...
Read more about City Year UK welcomes new approaches to national community serviceOn the 12th of May, the Jo Cox Foundation held an event in Manchester as part of their More in...
Read more about City Year UK & the Jo Cox Foundation: More in Common Network event