Orleans-based activist, speaker, and sociologist Rachel Decost says this is a step in the right direction.

She explained that the verdict is a beacon of hope for African Americans who have been victims of undue police brutality for so long.

However, this verdict is a real miracle. It took a 9-minute video, a police officer with a poor record (18 official complaints on his record), an international milk rush, and police officers denounced their teammate instead of lying to protect him and a patriotic black movement. To get there, according to Mrs.Decost.

George Floyd was killed by Police Officer Derek Chauvin on May 25, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. The latter kneeled on Mr. Floyd’s neck while he was lying on the ground, handcuffed. He died from lack of oxygen.

Protests – sometimes violent – followed the death of Mr. Floyd across the United States. Several other protests around the world – including Toronto – took place after that.

BLM Toronto not satisfied

The Black Lives Matter Toronto Group expressed its opinion on Twitter. Justice looks like a future without a police, not a guilty verdict. Let’s keep demanding the justice we all deserve! #AllBlackLivesMatterCan we read the official topic of the group.

The latter also republished the opinion of the Defund HPS group, which is campaigning for the abolition of the Hamilton Police Force. The conviction is not accountability. It is the abolition of the police and prisons.

Toronto police say they are listening

For its part, the Toronto Police issued a press release regarding the conviction.

While this ruling may be another step in the process for George Floyd’s family and friends, we know that there will be long-lasting effects on black communities as a whole and not just those who have lived. Experiences of discrimination in the justice system or by the police. We are aware of the pain, anger, frustration and fear many may feel at this time.

As a service, we have heard, learned and changed over the past year and wish to be more attentive to the communities we serve, including the black population.Can we read the press release?

With information from Mary Helen Rattel