Racial Discrimination and the George Floyd Case

By Anna Levy

Ever since May 25th, 2020, social media platforms across the world have exploded with information and protest regarding the death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old African American man who was murdered by police officer Derek Chauvin. George Floyd was arrested on May 25th in Minneapolis, Minnesota after a deli employee suspected him of using a counterfeit twenty-dollar bill to buy cigarettes. While handcuffed and in police custody, Floyd was pinned to the ground by officer Chauvin, whose knee remained on Floyd’s neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds--over two minutes after Floyd stopped showing signs of movement. On May 29th, Chauvin was charged with third-degree murder, which is defined in Minnesota as a type of murder in which the killer acts with a “depraved indifference” to human life. On June 3d, this charge was upgraded to second-degree murder, and three other officers present during Floyd’s arrest were also charged. Despite Chauvin’s impending conviction, his abuse of power and the trauma that his actions have caused is a reminder not just of the widespread issue of police brutality in America, but of discriminatory roots that extend beyond the police force and into the hearts and minds of people throughout the world.

History is what we are made of, the sum of all the highs and lows that the human race has faced throughout the years, and its effect on the communal consciousness of today’s society is as palpable as ever. Unfortunately, not all of our history is positive. During the Antebellum Era, the enslavement of African Americans in the South was a fact of life and, after the Civil War, racism did not end with emancipation. In fact, racism and discrimation became the new normal as countless African Americans were lynched, beaten, abused, and neglected by citizens of a white supremacist nation. To many, the racism and injustice that plagues today’s society is not simply a response to current leadership or recent events, but a continued narrative of inequality that is deeply ingrained in the American subconscious and, if not addressed, will continue to feed into a cycle of ignorance, hate, and violence that is all too familiar. Police brutality is only one of the many facets of racism, and the death of George Floyd reminds us that we cannot and should not become numb to its constant presence. According to a database by the Washington Post, 1252 black people have been shot and killed by police since January 1st, 2015. While these names have been memorialized, hashtagged, and spoken across the world, their legacy cannot truly be honored as long as this cycle of violence and injustice continues throughout our nation. Understanding our nation’s history is one of the first steps to confronting our destructive past, and now we must join together to translate our anger and frustration into qualitative change.

Spreading awareness of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, and countless other black individuals killed by police brutality is one way to address the complex and broad-reaching issue of racism. Many of us may never experience what it is like to be pulled over, or suspected of violence, or murdered for allegedly using a counterfeit $20 bill because of the color of our skin. However, we can still stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and with all of those who are directly affected by racial discrimination in America. As creatures on Earth, the planet that we call our home, it is our responsibility to build better lives not just for ourselves, but for the future generations who will learn about today’s actions and become shaped by our choices. Whether a person is a twenty-year-old college student or a sixty--year-old retiree, each voice is not only important but necessary to the future of our world.

It is normal to feel confused during such an important and pivotal moment in history, and many may feel overwhelmed as years of systemic oppression and implicit bias unveil themselves before our eyes. The murder of George Floyd has given rise to a collective outrage in communities both rural and urban, red and blue, across the nation. It can be hard to try to find one’s place in such a radical fight to end racial discrimination; however, it is important to remember that this is a life-long effort, and protesting is just one of many ways that one can contribute. We must not underestimate the value of daily acts of responsibility and action--these gestures are what form the backbone of a society that values integrity over passivity. Each and every person has the ability to change the world simply by changing his or her mindset and by becoming aware of his or her own privilege and biases. One of the biggest obstacles to change is a lack of knowledge. By reading about current events and staying up to date on the latest policies, people can prime themselves to make genuine and positive contributions to society and to shield themselves from crawling into the sometimes more comfortable bed of ignorance and denial. Those attending a Black Lives Matter event or participating in a protest can become informed about the history and meaning behind the event so that standing in solidarity with that cause is even more meaningful and transforming.

Here are some sites you can visit for more information on where to donate, petitions to sign, and other resources to learn about the Black Lives Matter movement and to gain a more long-lasting legacy of justice in the name of George Floyd:

https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/

https://blacklivesmatter.com/

https://colorofchange.org/

https://www.joincampaignzero.org/

https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/anti-racism-resources-for-parents-and-kids

Don’t stay silent. Now is the time to fight for change.