On April 20, 2021, a jury in Minneapolis voted to convict former police officer Derek Chauvin on all counts in the case of the murder of George Floyd. While true justice would have George Floyd still alive today, this verdict marks a cornerstone in American history for police accountability in the use of excessive force against Black and brown individuals.

NAMI-NYC commends the jury’s decision in this pivotal court case, and also acknowledges the long road ahead to ensure the rights of Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) communities across this country. As seen in the shooting of Ma’Khia Bryant, a teenaged girl from Columbus, Ohio, minutes before the Chauvin conviction, it will take much more than one court case to account for centuries of systemic racism and state-imposed violence against Black and brown individuals in order to create a more just and equitable land.

In NYC alone, 18 people experiencing mental health crises have been killed by the NYPD over the past five years – 15 of these identified as people of color. This is why one of NAMI-NYC’s advocacy goals is to promote non-police response to mental health crises calls across the city.

Black communities across America deserve more, and we want you to know that NAMI-NYC will always stand as an ally with you in this fight for a more just world.

For support during this time, please contact our Helpline for resources, referrals, and information about our free programs.