Abuse, punishment, violence are some words to describe what happened on May 25th of 2020. George Floyd, an African-American, was a victim of the racist abuse of a police officer who knelt on his neck and back for 9 minutes and 29 seconds, causing his death. The video recorded in the scene went viral on social media. All this is happening in one of the hardest years in history, in the middle of a pandemic and a massive economic crisis for the world.
The United States has suffered many racist events in the past, but nothing has ever been as intense on the media as what happened in that summer of 2020. People went out all over the cities to protest for equality, including people from Minneapolis, Minnesota, and all over the United States. There were cartels around, songs were written, and walls painted with the phrase “Black Lives Matter”. Kids, teenagers, adults, and even elders walked with cartels of “Am I next?”, “No justice, no peace” and “Stop killing us." The effect of this death motivated protests against police brutality, especially towards black people, which quickly spread across the United States and internationally.
Throughout history, black people have been threatened and punished for the color of their skin. These people have suffered from violence, abuse, and threats. However, they've been brave and have continued fighting for equality. This episode only reflected how still, in America, the idea of racism continues living. There are still people who feel more important because their skin is white. This new modern racism will stay forever on the internet, thanks to social media.
Although there were many difficulties, the protests brought attention to the need for justice and respect towards civil rights and equality. The BLM movement became a symbol of tolerance and awareness against civic abuses, all this in hope of reducing the racial differences among people.
Just last week, Derek Chauvin, the police officer who killed George Floyd, was found guilty on three charges: second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and manslaughter. This is important because, rarely, any police brutality cases make it to trials. His verdict will be announced on June 2nd.
This event sends a clear statement for the need for accountability, justice, and equality for the American people. Humans should always remain strong against injustice. Bad things are always going to happen, but if we face them with resilience, we will achieve peace and, eventually, justice.
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