by Robin Kemp
Clayton County residents took to social media to share their reactions to the three guilty verdicts returned against former Minnesota Police Ofc. Derek Chauvin in the death of George Floyd. Here are some of them:
Rep. Sandra Scott: “Stay woke…I’m not ashamed of being Black”
Meia Ballinger: “Give honor to God on what he just did…justice”
CCPS Superintendent Dr. Morcease Beasley: “A time for true leaders to emerge”
As we all reflect and absorb the ruling made in the Derek Chauvin murder trial of George Floyd, I implore you to utilize the emotions felt as a result of this verdict; good or bad, in a positive and befitting manner to improve upon the communities we all lead beyond the outcome of the trial. I also believe it is a time for true leaders to emerge and all leaders to encourage peaceful, civil, and orderly demonstrations. Now is not the time to make rash decisions that negatively impact the economic or social advancement of our respective communities. In a time such as this, we must continue to work together, with elected and appointed officials as well as law enforcement to support and uplift all communities.
We should also remember that our greatest power is at the ballot box. We must utilize our power to influence how our resources are spent/distributed so that the greatest good can be achieved for all people. Let us remember that we have an obligation to our children to protect their future by electing those candidates that will lead with dignity, efficacy, responsibility, and accountability. No amount of changes to the voting laws should discourage you to exercise your right to cast your ballot which basically would be conceding defeat.
It is important that leaders from across the spectrum–civic, local government, faith-based, community activist–pause and reflect on the importance of this moment in our history and the impact it will have on our future. We must learn from the devastation in our communities and our neighborhoods resulting from the immediate reaction to the Rodney King verdict nearly 30 years ago and how long it took to recover and move forward.
It is also important that we put our faith into greater perspective and trust that justice, while sometimes delayed, will always prevail. It is never denied. As a reminder, we encourage all stakeholders to review the “Safety Measures: Staying Safe During Civil Unrest” brochure created by the Clayton County Public Schools Department of Safety and Security.
Rochelle Dennis: “I was in the Chick-Fil-A drive-thru”
Clayton NAACP President Synamon Baldwin: “I cried, knowing in my heart and soul that it’s not over.”
First there was a sigh of relief. Then the tears came like a gushing faucet. I cried, knowing in my heart and soul that it’s not over. Not knowing that, at the same time,15-year-old Ma’Khia Bryant was pronounced dead after being shot by police in Columbus, Ohio.More to come.
