October 5, 2018

Today Officer Jason Van Dyke was convicted of second degree murder and 16 counts of aggravated battery for the 2014 police shooting of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald. In a world where it remains uncommon for police officers to be held accountable for the harm they cause, especially to black and brown communities, the outcome of this case marks a watershed moment for Chicago. We are hopeful that today’s verdict is a demonstration of a new commitment within society to the fact that black lives matter.

People who have lived through sexual violation are all too familiar with the justice system failing to operate justly. Like our city’s communities of color, the survivors have a well-found distrust of police and they too are often ignored, disbelieved, and silenced. Together through civic engagement and peaceful protest, however, we can shift the priorities of our government and create meaningful and lasting change. Indeed, these actions are likely why Van Dyke was ever charged in the first place. We stand with Chicago’s black and brown communities as they continue to raise their voices and demand accountability for the violence perpetrated against them.