Thoughts On The Verdict

We Are Here

We are at the eclipse… the moment… the transition.

When the verdict came out in the Derek Chauvin case, a collective sigh of relief that comes from counting on our justice system to work was heard around the country. Horns blared in communities, cheers erupted in neighborhoods, and tears streamed in living rooms… and, with that, comes the knowledge that there’s more work to do.

What struck us the most during the trial were the witnesses—different in age, race, and, gender—all brought together in a historic moment. They were bound by their concern and compassion for someone they did not know. They were there, all wanting to help. Their struggle and raw emotion were on full display. Watching them testify brought up questions about what we would do personally in a similar situation. They were us. They are us.

Guilty

With the simple reading of the word “guilty” in a courtroom in Minnesota, we are at the point where we have expanded the perception of humanity … where we go from here is up to us.

We must figure out how we can be respectful of others, living lives where we don’t try to change someone else, instead we try to understand them and find commonalities.

We all have loved ones who weep for us.

We all have dreams of a future.

We all laugh.

And, at the risk of sounding trite, we all love. 

Where We Go Is Up To Us

An orchestra creates as a whole. The blending of sounds and the power of the cohesiveness all move the human soul. Violins, sit near trombones, drums beat out rhythms for the clarinets – all different, all beautiful.

Can we see our nation as an orchestra? Can we move from this moment with a renewed sense of dedication to consciously make small and large impactful unifying “music for humanity”?

Can we look back at this as THE beginning? The moment that cracked us open a bit and let in the light.