The road to justice is long and winding. While major improvements have been implemented in the aftermath of George Floyd’s untimely death, many people do not believe they are sufficient. Over a million Roommates tuned in to watch Derek Chauvin’s conviction on our live stream today. Derek was finally sentenced to 22 1/2 years in prison today, as we previously reported, after being convicted of murdering George in April. Derek has already been convicted of unintended second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter. Judge Cahill handed down his sentence in a Minnesota courtroom.
While 22 years is a significant period, and a larger sentence than we’ve seen for other unarmed Black men killed by police officers, many people believe it is insufficient. People, including civil rights icon Reverend Al Sharpton, have expressed their displeasure with the sentence on social media. Following the sentencing, Rev. Al, George’s family, and the legal team spoke to CNN outside the courthouse. Rev. Al was eager to speak up, claiming that justice had not been done and that Derek should have received the maximum punishment.
“This verdict and this sentencing is the longest sentence we’ve seen, but it is not justice because George Floyd is in a grave tonight even though Chauvin will be in jail.” He continued, “So let us not feel that we’re here to celebrate because justice would’ve been George Floyd never had been killed. Justice would’ve been the maximum.”Rev Al didn’t stop there. He also said, “We got more than we thought only because we have been disappointed so many times before, 22 and a half years is longer than we’ve ever got. But shorter than what we should’ve gotten in the past.”