April 20, 2021 —New York, NY — While today’s conviction serves justice, there is nothing that can bring George Floyd or the countless other Black women and men who unjustly lost their lives at the hands of police back. We send our support to Mr. Floyd’s family and loved ones for their tragic loss. Their strength and resolve is an inspiration to us all, and we hope this verdict helps with the healing process.

The conviction of Derek Chauvin on all three charges brought against him has demonstrated that police are not above the law. This case has forced a reckoning with police violence and the systemic racism that upholds it. We will honor George Floyd’s memory with real change for police accountability and a push to end police brutality and racist violence. Millions are now united in a call for a new day where people of color no longer have to live in fear and can expect dignified treatment with every encounter with law enforcement. Anything less is not enough.

NOW-NYC President Abby Dobson said, “Derek Chauvin was found guilty on all charges in the death of George Floyd. Now what? How will we respond as a nation? Chauvin was not one bad apple in the bunch. How will we keep police officers accountable across the nation, especially when there isn’t a cell phone or a bodycam to document an interaction? I’m thankful for the verdict, but there is so much work to be done. This is not a moment for celebration. It is an added call for our collective and ongoing reckoning. The struggle continues. Just ask Breonna Taylor’s mother.”

NOW-NYC ignites change for the women and girls of New York. We advance laws, promote women in politics, fight for reproductive justice, challenge discrimination and violence against women, and act NOW.

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George Floyd Justice in Policing Act

This bill, already passed by the U.S. House, will ban chokeholds and carotid holds at the federal level and no-knock warrants (like the one that led to Breonna Taylor’s death) in federal drug cases. It will also end qualified immunity for law enforcement, which protects police officers from most civil lawsuits. It will mandate data collection on police encounters and create a nationwide police misconduct registry to help hold problematic officers accountable. And it will prohibit racial and religious profiling and redirect funding to community-based policing programs.

Take Action: Call your Senator NOW and ask them to co-sponsor and support this legislation in the Senate.