By: Clinton Davis
That Face
Every time. Every time I see this man’s face, something inside of me makes me want to write about it. Do the majority of us “care” about George Floyd’s death anymore? And if that doesn’t feel fair, do the majority care about the deeper social justice issues it highlighted? Does it seem like a decade since the Black Lives Matter protests shook the world and brought to light the discussions that had fallen on deafened ears for decades … centuries? Words heard in rap songs and sold as entertainment. How do those highlighted social justice issues relate to what’s happening elsewhere in the world today (that last question is a topic for another blog post), but no, to those who were on the other side of the fence back then, I keep asking on TikTok, where’s that #alllivesmatter energy for the 14,000 human lives murdered in Gaza today. But, I intentionally digress.
Chauvin's Actions and Their Impact
Developments in May in Derek Chauvin's case, which is when I first wrote this unpublished blog I’m now revisiting, had brought his name and face back into the limelight, stirring up the same feelings of anger and disgust that had stirred in me and countless others since the murder of George Floyd. As someone connected to Black communities, and their widespread diversity, Chauvin's actions and the subsequent impact on our lives continue to weigh heavily on my heart, the positive outcomes and the negative ones. The small systematic changes and the documented rise in hate groups since that day.
Here at Blacklantic, we strive to engage in meaningful conversations about race, social justice, and the experiences that shape our lives. I find it necessary to reflect on the lessons we can learn from this case and the role we play in fighting for justice. I’ll explore the concept of forgiveness and its role in activism. Let me tell you though, my blood boils every time I see this man's face. I knew enough Derek Chauvin’s growing up.
Derek Chauvin was recently stabbed in Prison
The reason I’m revisitng this blog is, his face popped up again. If you don’t know, it was announced around Nov 27th, 2023, that Chauvin had been stabbed in his Arizona medium security prison of around 400 inmates, in a facility with 1,800 prisoners in total. I had to ask myself once again, as someone who cares deeply for human life, for animals, for the earth, the environment, hell I’ll even gently take a bug out of my house to place on the grass instead of killing it: Do - I - care?
He’s still presently alive, but if he had’ve died. Would I care? Should I care?
He just doesn’t/didn’t regret it..
He really didn’t. Didn’t even make efforts to pretend. The echoes of Derek Chauvin's case reverberate in our consciousness always, but especially every time new developments surface, reigniting discussions surrounding his blatant actions, carried out in broad daylight on camera. The smirk on his face, reflective of the countless actions that were, and sometimes continue to be carried out under the cover of darkness and malfunctioning police cams. It reflects the same fears I found stirring within myself during the times I’d found myself in police custody or questioned as a younger man, with officers refusing to accept the concept that when asked what my background was and my answer repeatedly being Canadian, white men rolling their eyes and saying “Ya and I’m Chinese! WHAT is your background?!” - not thinking I’d actually be killed, but still concerned for my well being, cuffed and in the custody of cops who practiced power-abuse and intolerance.
The Murder Conviction Upheld - The Appeals Court’s Decision
The Minnesota Appeals Court in May of 2023 upheld Derek Chauvin's murder conviction, maintaining that he was guilty of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter. Chauvin's defense team had argued that there were a number of issues with his trial, including the jury selection process, the use of video evidence, another killing of a black man in Minnesota during the course of the trial (as I roll my eyes), and more. However, the appeals court ruled that the trial was conducted fairly and that there was ample evidence to support Chauvin's conviction.
Implications for Police Accountability
This decision carried significant implications for the ongoing fight against police brutality and systemic racism, although that fight has largely left the media’s radar light in the constant flow of news stories that often overshadow ongoing issues. Although it was only a small victory for justice and accountability, it served as a reminder that no one should be above the law.
It signaled, at the very least, a small shift in public opinion, and the judicial system's possible response to future police brutality. The verdict in the Chauvin trial was a landmark moment in the United States, sparking widespread protests and calls for police reform. The case drew attention to the issue of police brutality and the need for accountability in law enforcement. The appeals court's decision to uphold Chauvin's conviction is an important step in ensuring justice for George Floyd and his family. It sends a message that police officers who engage in excessive use of force and other misconduct MAY be held accountable for their actions. For years, countless cases involving police officers have ended without any semblance of justice or accountability. I repeatedly say on the podcast there’s a lot of back and forth when moving society bar forward towards equality. This one case does signal the tiniest continued push in the right direction, as least on this one topic.
The Struggle with Collective Forgiveness
Chauvin has shown no indication of remorse or regret for his actions. And while I’ve never known George Floyd (likely a given), that’s why my blood boils, that’s why it’s so challenging to find any semblance of forgiveness for someone who doesn't seem to understand the gravity of their actions or the lives they've destroyed. Yes, I get it, forgiveness is more about our own healing than how it impacts our aggressors. Also, I know Chauvin did nothing to ME, personally. But..
You see people in power can use power to manipulate the futures of others. It happens in banks with mortgages and business development loans, jobs and employment opportunities, schools, on the playground, and more. IF someone in power wants to affect someones future and there’s no way for them to be caught, they can do that. It happens every day.
Again, That Face..
You see, that wasn’t the first time I’d seen Derek Chauvin’s face. Growing up, I've encountered people with attitudes and behaviors similar to Chauvin's so - many - times. A playmate's uncle at the house I regret ever playing in as a child, an old coworker/boss at the student maintenance job I worked as a teen downtown at First Canadian Place Toronto, certain dive bars I’d happened upon with friends when I was younger, parties I’d been invited to by strangers and then not well received by the host, the countless uncontrolled looks on faces when I’d walked into certain businesses, before those looks were replaced with feigned kindness reflective of what was expected of these workers in our society, and others. These experiences have left a lasting impact on me, and so I can't help but feel a deep sense of disgust and disdain when I see Chauvin's face or hear his name. As someone who considers themselves a forgiving person, because I’ve learned it takes more of my personal life force and energy to hate than to forgive, it's difficult to reconcile these emotions with my usual approach to life. However, it's essential to channel these emotions into activism and fighting for change, ensuring that our energy is spent creating a better world.
People like this don’t only hate Black people, they just generally, hate. They’re just general dicks. Sociopaths narcissists, who find joy in being cruel, who lack empathy or compassion for anyone or anything, POC’s, women, and probably their own ‘fellow’ light skinned (white) brothers to be honest.
Maybe sometimes a MF needs to be shanked in a prison. I mean, the guy’s a total d*ck, right? He’s a cop with a horrible attitude/personalitiy who used his power, badge and gun on waist which kept bystanders away to slowly kill a man, which seeming to “get off” in broad daylight with no remorse and is now in prison.
Right? No? Wrong? Shoot, I don’t know!
The Significance of Persistent Activism
As we process the Chauvin case and its implications, it is essential that we recognize the importance of continued activism and community engagement. One thing I repeated on the podcast when this first happened was, “Once the dust of the protests settle, the hard work will begin” (and I should have said continue, not begin). Change will not happen overnight, not societal, not personal, nor will it come about by merely discussing these issues. It requires a sustained commitment to creating a more just and equitable society, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Supporting Black Communities and Businesses
In the wake of the years since Floyd’s Murder, since Chauvin's case, we have witnessed meaningful progress in the states, from police reform to increased awareness of systemic racism. Cities across the United States have begun implementing changes to their law enforcement policies, practices, and training, emphasizing de-escalation techniques and community policing. Additionally, conversations about race, privilege, and bias have become more mainstream, prompting individuals and organizations alike to try to confront their prejudices and make conscious efforts towards fostering diversity and inclusion.
Despite these strides, we must continue to advocate for policy changes, push for greater accountability in law enforcement, and work to dismantle the systemic racism that underlies many of our societal institutions.
Working Hand in Hand for a More Just Society
It is only through our collective efforts that we can bring about meaningful change. This includes investing in Black-owned businesses, supporting Black artists and creators, and celebrating the achievements of Black individuals in every sphere of life.
Advocating for Change in Atlantic Canada
My partner in BlackLantic Hillary and I fall somewhere between the realm of activists, reporters, and entertainers, in my opinion. We discuss the issues, we mock society, we laugh, we joke, we’re silly, and we take ourselves seriously, but not TOO seriously on our show, conscious to point out our biases where necessary. At the same, we’re part of New Brunswick’s continuum for Education with the government, we’ve changed the lives of some of Black businesses we’ve had on the show, we’re partnered with CBC, RogersTV, Tribe Network, Prude Inc., BBPN, BBI and more to make change. We’ve attended different summits within the East Coast, have publicly spoken, presented at the Moncton Library, spoke in multiple panels and workshops, shared close to a 100 Black stories, all for pennies, after being ripped off and scammed in the previous organization we were with, and we will continue to do so, hoping to one day receive a grant of our own to truly move forward this work for Black people and all minorities needing a voice.
The Black community plays a crucial role in addressing injustice and pushing for change. To make a lasting impact, it is essential that we come together to support and uplift one another. This includes advocating for policies that benefit our communities, creating safe spaces for dialogue and healing, and celebrating the accomplishments of Black individuals across various fields.
Back to Him
Back to Chauvin. Today, I don’t care that he was stabbed. I don’t care if he’s alive - at the moment. It’s hard to say that. I don’t support the death penalty, but he has been processed by the law, and someone stabbed him in prison. I did, see this coming. But, it is important to recognize that this is just one case in a larger system of racial injustice and inequality. The fight for police reform and racial justice continues, and there is much work to be done to address these issues.
The fight for justice and equality is far from over, but together, we can make a difference. By remaining vigilant, engaged, and committed to change, we can help to create a world where every life is valued, and every individual has the opportunity to thrive. Let's continue the work, hand in hand, to build a more just and inclusive society for all.
This wasn’t the intent when I started writing this, I was just fuming over Derek Chauvin, but if you’d like to help us in what we do, there is a link on our site.
Conclusion
Overall, the Chauvin murder conviction upheld in George Floyd's killing is an important moment in the ongoing struggle for justice and accountability in law enforcement. It is a reminder of the need to address systemic racism and inequality in our society, and to work towards a more just and equitable future for all.
The fight for justice and equality is far from over, but together, differences are made. By remaining vigilant, engaged, and committed to change, we create a world, slowly, where every life is valued, and every individual has the opportunity to thrive. We’ll continue the work, hand in hand, to build a more just and inclusive society for all.
We just want a better world for all. When you hear the words “the good ol’ days” it makes me cringe. Society, and the world, wasn’t that great “back in the day”. But, we can be, tomorrow.
Clinton is a entrepreneur, entertainer and activist with business interests music, retail, beauty, real estate, farming, and more. He is a co-founder of BlackLantic Media, and works with many boards and organizations within New Brunswick, Canada.
With a strong belief that POC need to support, work together, and collaborate, Clinton has spent years driven by a need to make the world a better place for his kids, and people of all cultures/lifestyles to grow up in.
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