The verdict in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin delivered a brief sense of relief today, as Chauvin was found guilty on all counts for the murder of George Floyd. And yet, the conviction will not bring back George Floyd or the many lives that have been tragically and unjustly taken. We grieve with the families and communities mourning the loss of their loved ones. 

As we reflect on the verdict in the trial, we must remember that our work is not done and commit ourselves to the ongoing work of racial equity. Our partners at Color of Change shared, “This verdict is about accountability, not justice.” Accountability for shameful violence is only one part of justice, but it is not justice in and of itself. Justice can never be served while lives are taken unjustly. Justice can never be served when racism continues to undergird so many of our nation’s systems—from criminal justice to education to voting. Justice can never be served so long as Black people and all people of color continue to face violence in our streets, in our schools and at traffic stops.

At Schusterman, our values and commitment to the pursuit of justice call us to this work. Centuries of systemic racism in the U.S. have created deeply rooted inequities that we must act affirmatively to address and undo. One guilty verdict cannot change this truth. Only when we commit ourselves to this work each day and to learning from a past that has privileged some at the expense of many, will we be able to truly build a future rooted in our highest aspirations of liberty and justice for all.