What Children See

Yesterday the jurors in Minneapolis held former police officer Derek Chauvin accountable for the brutal murder of George Floyd. The nine-minute video of that crime was shot by a 17-year old child. Children see and know much more than we think they do. George Floyd’s death taught them that the world is not always a safe place, especially if you are Black. Chauvin’s conviction taught them that accountability is possible, though we still have a long way to go to achieve true justice.

Within hours of the verdict, the latest police killing happened. This time of a 16-year-old child in Ohio’s foster care system—Ma’Khia Bryant. There is much we don’t know yet about the circumstances, but we do know that a Black child is dead. Justice on one day does not guarantee it tomorrow.

We owe our children a future where they feel safe in their neighborhoods, where Black children know that their lives matter—where childhood is protected.

That’s why Children’s Rights won’t stop fighting for a more just, equitable country for our kids. We stand with advocates and organizations throughout the country to disrupt institutional racism and its effects on Black and Brown families.

In solidarity,

Sandy Santana 

Executive Director

Justice today, but not guaranteed tomorrow. We must keep fighting for a more just, equitable country for our kids. https://t.co/ZGJv50visD

— Children’s Rights (@ChildrensRights) April 20, 2021