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