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| Guilty, Guilty, Guilty, Guilty As Charged Systemic racism, police abuse, a flawed criminal justice system, lack of opportunity, high unemployment and poverty have for long divided our nation. The tragic murder of George Floyd was witnessed around the world and sparked a nationwide protest. People everywhere made their voices heard, loudly demanded change, and rallied for justice across this country and around the world. The fight for fair and equal treatment of Black people across this country continues today. The jury has found Derek Chauvin guilty on all counts in the murder of George Floyd. The power of a badge should not protect anyone from doing evil. This history-making verdict should bring positive changes in America and could mark the start of a truly serious effort to eliminate racism and create greater racial equity. We must remain vigilant in confronting the racial inequities that exist in our nation. Last year October and November, the ordinances that I passed creating the Police and Criminal Justice Review Board and the Racial Equity Task Force for Broward County were done in great part as a result of the murder of George Floyd. The creation of the 24- member Police and Criminal Justice Review Board will address unfair treatment in the criminal justice system, gather data on police use of force, and publish data and reports, identify issues that can be addressed through policy changes, and make recommendations to implement necessary changes. The Racial Equity Task Force will make recommendations to assist in identifying structural, systemic, and institutional racial inequities in Broward County and develop new policies to eliminate racial inequities. Numerous studies have shown that eliminating racism and creating racial equity will make America a more prosperous nation for all people.Our nation must continue to work together for equity, justice, police reform, and accountability. May peace be restored to George Floyd’s family. |
