FBANC Statement on the Derek Chauvin Trial Verdict

The conviction of Derek Chauvin on all counts for the murder of George Floyd on April 20, 2021, is a step towards accountability for the violence, harassment, and assault that disproportionately impact our Black brothers and sisters. FBANC commends the jury members for carrying out their civic duty and reaching a unanimous verdict based upon insurmountable evidence. 

Yet much work remains to be done in pursuit of liberty and equal access to justice. The amount of effort necessary to secure Mr. Chauvin’s conviction points to the urgent need for addressing systemic issues in the criminal justice and policing system. Far too often, Black members of our community are killed by the police with impunity. The loss of more Black lives at the hands of the police during trial is a stark reminder that we cannot rest until there is justice for all.

As a community that identifies as Filipino/a/x, our work combating injustice intersects with the work and struggles of our allies in the Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) communities.  As we grapple with the surge of hate incidents and violence, mourn last month’s tragic deaths of eight victims in Atlanta, six of whom were Asian American women, and grieve for the eight victims in last Thursday’s shooting in Indianapolis, four of whom were Sikh, we reaffirm our commitment to stand in solidarity with the Black community and combat racial injustice and oppression. 

Our hearts are with George Floyd’s family and friends, and we offer our sincerest condolences to the families and friends of the victims in Atlanta and Indianapolis as well as the loved ones of Daunte Wright, Adam Toledo, and Ma’Khia Bryant.  

Contact Mari Bandoma Callado, FBANC President at maribandoma@fbanc.org  for more information.