Statement on Verdict in George Floyd Case

We have a decision. The  Derek  Chauvin  case  has  weighed heavily  in the hearts and minds of many of us for weeks.

I recognize that there are those in the Children’s Home & Aid community that  are directly  impacted  by  the ongoing conversation happening in our country around  race and the violent policing of Black  and brown communities – from the families that we serve  to our staff, volunteers, and partners.    

This will  not be the last time we have to live through  social injustice or the heavy toll that it takes – there are many who are outraged that we are again in this position of  collectively  holding our breath, hoping that a verdict  doesn’t  set negative  precedent  for the future or  result in  damaging  social unrest – we know  firsthand  the impact that this has on our clients as well as our own families.   

While Chauvin was found guilty on all counts, this verdict  is not the end of the conversation or a sign that all is well. Instead, this is another poignant moment in our difficult history with race in this country – that  we are  each processing  differently –  but  is part of a larger, critical dialogue about the value of human life, the dignity of all people and where our work and lives  intersect.    

The  pain  and hurt felt by  families and communities around this issue  is real. We are processing what  we are  personally feeling  in order  to  fully show up for the clients we serve, many who have been hit hard by the outcomes of racial and social injustices and many other barriers that stand in the way of progress.  

The significance of today is a stark reminder of how  important  it is to commit to our own journey of  becoming a more inclusive,  equitable  and antiracist organization.  We can see today that justice is possible, and while we might breathe easier as a result, our work isn’t done with one verdict or one policy.

We are all concerned about the toll this has taken on our friends, families and our clients, but my hope is that the moment gives us the renewal we need  to push ahead, becoming the antiracist, equitable force we aspire to be.  

Sincerely,

Mike Shaver
President & CEO