Yesterday I waited on bated breath as the world listened to the judge read former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin his fate. Each charge was read out loud, followed by the sweet sound of “guilty”

As if an all counts conviction wasn’t enough, the judge also stated bail was revoked and Chauvin, the now convicted murderer of George Floyd, was required to remain in the custody of the state correctional institution.

It’s was pretty difficult to find a news outlet that wasn’t reporting on the verdict. People of all ages, nationalities, and backgrounds stood together in solidarity celebrating the judicial victory. We the people could breathe for George because the jury got this one right.

The sweet smell of victory didn’t last long. Reports of a 16 year old killed by a police officer in Columbus spread quickly and the bond formed over the Chauvin verdict was broken.

Agreement in regards to this case doesn’t come as easy. Initial reports had tempers boiling then body camera footage was released – and disagreements popped up within households.

I myself have a lot of thoughts after watching the footage. I used my social media pages to engage with others, hoping my emotions could be tamed. I don’t stand with the racist cop movement, not this time – based on what I saw I can’t – I watched as a bad situation turned worse, and I hate it! I hate that a young woman is dead, I hate that an officer had to use his weapon to protect a black teen from a black teen, I hate that adults stood by and watched as the brawl unfolded. I hate the entire situation.

As I sorted through my thoughts I read a post, shared by a stranger, that expressed what I felt. It read: “what’s sadder than the life of this young girl being killed is the reality that her life wasn’t valued by the people responsible for teaching her a knife wasn’t needed during a street fight”

I hate this entire situation!