First we have to get it straight. George Floyd is NOT on trial!
On day one of the trial of Derek Chauvin, opening statements were presented as prosecutors cited intent and reminded citizens of what they saw on May 25, 2020, leading to second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter charges.
I told someone that, on top of everything we have been facing and continue to face, the trial was tough to sit through.
Which brings me to my truth.
Jurors got to hear George Floyd pleading for his life, crying and asking for mercy, calling for his mother and apologizing.
On the video, of which several have garnered millions of views, bystanders are asking the officer to take his knee off Mr. Floyd’s neck and a first responder attempts to approach to render assistance only to be stopped by another officer on the scene.
“The world witnessed yet another video, this time of the slow killing of George Floyd. Tens of thousands took to the streets demanding change, not only in Minneapolis but in nearly every major U.S. city and in cities around the world,” said Rep. Karen Bass, D-Calif.
Following opening statements, a 911 dispatcher and two eyewitnesses shared their accounts of the events that took place on that fateful day and ended with the death of Mr. Floyd.
Compelling to many commenting on social media was the description and detailed analysis by witness, Donald Wynn Williams II., of actions by then-police officer Chauvin, who had his knee on Mr. Floyd’s neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds — which prosecutors say the entire ordeal lasted nine minutes and 29 seconds.
Prior to the beginning of them trial, Rev. Al Sharpton, Atty. Ben Crump, family, supporters and observers stood outside the courtroom and addressed the media before kneeling for eight minutes and 46 seconds. During COVID-19, folks kneeled outside Dallas City Hall for eight minutes and 46 second and, both times, I heard comments about the discomfort.
Two points here:
Those of us who knelt can get up and continue living, and some of those who are silent had a whole lot to say about Colin Kaepernick kneeling!
When descendants read or hear that I oftentimes seemed serious or mad; I hope they will understand why and also know that I did more than talk!
