GUILTY

‘GUILTY’

By President Sidney Jackson

Just as I began writing this article with every intention of discussing Magic City Bar events planned for the rest of the year, a news flash came across my computer screen: “Derek Chauvin found GUILTY of ALL charges in the death of George Floyd.”

Almost immediately, I picked up my phone and sent a text message to my close family and friends that simply said “GUILTY” in all caps. I received celebratory responsive messages and not one responsive message questioned the meaning of the one-word text. I then checked my social media and saw the word “GUILTY” as the status for the majority of my family, friends and acquaintances.

To me and many people like me, today is a day to be rejoiced; not simply because a man was found guilty of murder, but because a white police officer who callously killed an unarmed Black man has been held accountable — criminally.

Over the last few years, there has been what feels to be never-ending news coverage concerning Black men and Black boys being killed by members of law enforcement. All too often, those law enforcement officers escape with no criminal charges and after the dust settles, so to speak, freely go about living their lives — a privilege their victims could never enjoy.

Think about it: Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, Breonna Taylor, Tamir Rice, and Philando Castille are just a few victims who come to mind whose killers were never brought to justice. Sure, most of their families received wrongful death settlement proceeds, but no true justice. Indeed, it continually seemed to Black Americans that we were still getting the short end of the stick when it came to real justice in our own country.

As a result, Black Americans and their allies took to the streets together and staged massive protests screaming at the top of their lungs for justice, “Black Lives Matter!” Many people questioned and attempted to degrade the phrase that was being used. Many people questioned and attempted to degrade the manner of the protests that were taking place. But, the shouts of “Black Lives Matter” only grew stronger. Even in the face of continual “not guilty” verdicts and the persistent naysayers, protesters of all races, nationalities and ages remained undeterred and never gave up the fight for justice no matter how dark or gloomy the outcome appeared to be at times.

Then, today happened.

Derek Chauvin, a clean-cut white male police officer, was found guilty for causing the death of George Floyd, a large Black man with an unflattering criminal background. Perhaps the archaic wheels of justice that for far too long decided cases based on optics, including what the parties looked like or did for a living, is changing to that which it was intended. More specifically, justice is and should always be blind.

Sadly, that is not always the case as a Black man in America. Perhaps that change has finally begun and has been brought about, at least in part, by civil unrest caused by protests. Of course, this is but one instance of justice and time will tell what the future holds, but for me as a Black man and father of a young Black boy, today I celebrate and I hope that you will celebrate with me.

Onward. Upward. Together.

Sidney Jackson is the 2021 President of the Magic City Bar Association

To receive information on our upcoming events and programs we have throughout the year, please join the Magic City Bar Association by visiting our website at magiccitybarassociation.org and completing the membership application. Also, please “like” our Facebook page!