Center on Humanity

Trying to express our feelings on the events of the past week has been daunting. Many breathed a sigh of relief when they heard the Derek Chauvin verdict. However, the ways we are experiencing and processing the verdict are vast and valid.

While we witnessed a new reprimand on police brutality we also watched Daunte Wright’s family mourn at the same chapel as George Floyd’s a year ago. Tuesday, April 20, may have been a transformative date for our country. Historians may later view Chauvin’s conviction as the day legislation for police and prison reform became a real possibility. Still, we recognize we have to remain tireless in our pursuit of justice to transform these systems. Otherwise, history repeats.

We urge you in these moments to be courageous in your commitment to humanity.

Noted Civil Rights leader and gay man, Bayard Rustin wrote in a 1969 letter:

“I have seen periods of progress followed by reaction… I have seen black young people become more and more bitter… My best friends, closest associates and colleagues-in-arms have been beaten and assassinated. Yet, to remain human and to fulfill my commitment to a just society, I must continue to fight for the liberation of all [people].”

Over 52 years later, Rustin’s words ring true. Seventeen-year-old Darnella Frazier defied police orders to stop filming the murder of George Floyd, providing undeniable proof of police brutality. Her bravery is helping to drive us to reexamine our police departments’ accountability, requirements, structure, and funding. We are thankful to each witness, EMT, juror, and others who answered the call and did the right thing to help build a just society. Still, our society is divided in how it processes this new world of consequences and accountability for all.

We at Center on Halsted strive to advocate for the humanity of our BIPOC communities. We have committed to do our part in building a just society. Every time we take action to stand in solidarity against systemic violence and are bold in our demands for community-led solutions to public safety, we fight to make all communities safer. Together we can create a place where Adam Toledo attends his 8th grade graduation, Gianna Floyd grows up with her father, and Daunte Wright says into his phone, “Mom, it’s just the police. I’ll call you right back.”

In Community,

Modesto Tico Valle
CEO, Center on Halsted