Jurors for Justice (Part III)

04-26-2021

By Blake Collins

It’s Tuesday. April 20th. 4:13 pm. I received a text 30 minutes earlier that the verdict in the George Floyd murder trial will be announced soon. Every headline that pops up on my phone makes my chest tighten. And then…

“Derek Chauvin convicted of murder in death of George Floyd.” A sigh of relief. I take a deep breath. But a few days earlier, another headline sparked the opposite reaction: “Police chief says officer who shot Daunte Wright meant to use Taser during Minnesota traffic stop.” Wait, what?

His name is Daunte Wright. He was twenty-years old. Pulled over for air fresheners on his rearview mirror. It doesn’t make sense. It makes *so* much sense. In the Trauma Symposiums McCormick hosted this past summer, a common theme was the need to continue justice work even as enthusiasm for the moment fades in the general public. There are moments, perhaps right now, when we feel called to do something. We are called by Adam Toledo, by Andrew Brown, Jr., by Ma’Khia Bryant.

But when headlines slow down and marches cease, the work of justice must continue. Bridge building must continue. Dismantling white supremacy must continue.

Creating something new is ongoing work.

The Solidarity Building Initiative knows every trial will not make national headlines. And that’s the point! We’re also aware every court case is unique. But every court case with a jury demands vigilant and informed jurors.

Please consider attending the National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls’ community teach-in on May 1st at 10am (CST) empowering participants to be conscientious jurors. And invite your communities as well!

We can be agents of transformative justice. Please consider signing-up today!!

Blake Collins is the Certificate Coordinator for SBI’s theological courses at Cook County Jail. Blake is a M-DIV student seeking ordination in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

Photo by Andreas Fischinger on Unsplash