We all have struggled with grief and anger over the murder of George Floyd and the deaths of too many other Black men and women in this country. Since the jury began to deliberate yesterday, we have anticipated the culmination of the Derek Chauvin trial and the rendering of justice. While the verdict may have brought some measure of relief, the national reckoning regarding race and equity continues.
As I shared with the Newhouse Community yesterday, the conclusion of this trial will not erase the outrage and pain we have felt since the murder of George Floyd. But we can all use this moment to be present for each other, and to build space in our community to listen.
We know there is much work to be done. That may feel overwhelming, perhaps even impossible. But as communicators, we know the first step in that long process is to reach out, to connect with each other and seek to understand each other. That is how we build an inclusive community at Newhouse.
I invite you to join us this Thursday, April 22, at 7 p.m. ET for our virtual event, The Chauvin Trial Deconstructed: News, Identity, Equity & Justice, featuring panelists Shelvia Dancy and Anne Osborne from the Newhouse School and Paula Johnson from the College of Law, with Newhouse’s Brad Gorham moderating.
Meanwhile I encourage you to practice empathy, seek out understanding, and be mindful of self-care in the days ahead. Our support for each other is critical to building an inclusive community.
For those who are struggling, services are available on campus: