Community Catalyst Statement on the Guilty Verdict in the Trial of Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin

(BOSTON, MA) – Today, a jury in Minnesota rendered a guilty verdict on all three counts in the trial of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd. George Floyd’s murder at the hands of police was a heartbreaking tragedy for his family, friends, and community, and it shined a bright light on the deep harm of systemic racism in the United States. The systemic racism behind police violence against Black and brown people is also a major driver of the deep health inequities exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. As health justice advocates, we pledge to do our part to fight systemic racism as a fundamental part of our mission. This includes standing in solidarity with Black-led organizations and movements in their efforts to address police violence and brutality by calling for divestment from police and investment in community-based services, including housing and health care, designed to keep everyone safe and healthy.   

Statement of Emily Stewart, executive director of Community Catalyst, in response to the verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd:  

“We are relieved by the jury’s finding that Derek Chauvin is guilty of the murder of George Floyd, a father of two daughters.  Our thoughts are with George Floyd’s family, friends and community in this moment. We join our partners in both celebrating today’s verdict and embracing the fact that securing true justice requires structural change to our country’s laws, policies, and systems. We are committed to the work ahead to advance racial justice and build a society where everyone can be healthy, well, and free.”   

About Community Catalyst:  Community Catalyst is a leading non-profit national health advocacy organization dedicated to advancing a movement for health equity and justice. We partner with local, state, and national advocates to leverage community power so all people can influence decisions that affect their health. Health systems will not be accountable to people without a fully engaged and organized community voice. That’s why we work every day to ensure people’s interests are represented wherever important decisions about health and health care are made: in communities, statehouses, and on Capitol Hill. For more information, visit www.communitycatalyst.org. Follow us on Twitter @CommCatHealth.