Local activists have spoken in support of the recent conviction of Derek Chauvin in the murder of George Floyd last May.
The murder of Mr Floyd in Minnesota, USA, captured the world’s attention after footage showed Derek Chauvin kneeling on his neck for over nine minutes.
The incident, which saw officers use excessive force during the arrest, sparked mass protests against racism.
Since the conviction, many Merseyside activists have spoken out in support of the ruling.
It comes as today we mark the inaugural Stephen Lawrence Day.
Local charity the Anthony Walker Foundation support have tweeted in support of the cause.
They said: “Today is the inaugural Stephen Lawrence Day organised by his mum, brother and those at @sldayfdn!
“Through Stephen’s legacy they hope to inspire a fairer and just society which engenders equality, diversity and inclusion for young people.”
Today is the inaugural Stephen Lawrence Day organised by his mum, brother and those at @sldayfdn!
Through Stephen’s legacy they hope to inspire a fairer and just society which engenders equality, diversity and inclusion for young people. #SLDay21 #ALegacyForChange pic.twitter.com/JNZYSczXk9
— Anthony Walker Foundation (@awf_liverpool) April 22, 2021
Following the news around the conviction of Derek Chauvin, other locals spoke out.
Labour MP for Liverpool Riverside, Kim Johnson said: “Derek Chauvin found guilty on all charges.
“Justice has been served for George Floyd but my thoughts tonight are with his family who face a life without him.
“Let’s hope this brings a real change in policing in the US and UK both.”
Derek Chauvin found guilty on all charges. Justice has been served for George Floyd but my thoughts tonight are with his family who face a life without him. Let’s hope this brings a real change in policing in the US and UK both.
— Kim Johnson MP (@KimJohnsonMP) April 20, 2021
Merseyside Black Lives Matter Alliance tweeted: “*JUSTICE IS SERVED*
“For the first time in Minnesota state history, a white police officer has been held accountable for killing a Black man.
“Our thoughts are with the family of George Floyd, his friends and the community.
“#BlackLivesMatter #BLM #GeorgeFloydTrial #Justice.”
*JUSTICE IS SERVED*
For the first time in Minnesota state history, a white police officer has been held accountable for killing a Black man.
Our thoughts are with the family of George Floyd, his friends and the community.#BlackLivesMatter #BLM #GeorgeFloydTrial #Justice pic.twitter.com/gbat0qe7ky
— Merseyside #BlackLivesMatter Alliance (@MerseysideBLM) April 20, 2021
However, The Goddess Project, tweeted: “There’s no justice because that would mean George Floyd would still be with us.
“No guilty verdict will bring him back but we hope it has brought George’s loved ones and our communities some level of comfort on the path to healing.
“#GeorgeFloyd #BlackLivesMatter.”
There's no justice because that would mean George Floyd would still be with us. No guilty verdict will bring him back but we hope it has brought George's loved ones and our communities some level of comfort on the path to healing. 🖤#GeorgeFloyd #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/nUlBnJ6CJA
— Thegoddessprojects (@Thegoddessproj1) April 21, 2021
Mr Chauvin, the former police officer, was convicted yesterday on all three counts of murdering George Floyd.
This counts were second-degree murder, third-degree murder and manslaughter.
The twelve jury members took less than a day to find Mr Chauvin guilty.
However, Derek Chauvin is yet to receive his sentencing.
Featured image taken by Vince Fleming
