WASHINGTON – Today marks the one-year memorial of the murder of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis Police officers. In the aftermath, this tragic event was followed by global protests and calls for police accountability and reform.
Juliet K. Choi, president and CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) issued the following statement:
“Today, we honor and remember the life of George Floyd, as well as the too many lives lost and impacted by police brutality. And let’s hold close the words from George Floyd’s daughter, Gianna, days after his untimely death, ‘my daddy changed the world.’ In reflection and remembrance, Mr. Floyd undeniably left his mark on the American consciousness, sparking a global outcry for justice that was, and still is, felt around the world.
“As we remember Mr. Floyd, we must also remember that accountability and justice have not been served for the deaths of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and so many Black lives. We must also remember that these incidents continue to occur, as evidenced by last month’s killing of Daunte Wright just miles away from where Mr. Floyd’s life was taken and the killing of Ma’Khia Bryant on the same day we heard the guilty verdict to Mr. Floyd’s murder.
“Racism is a public health crisis and APIAHF stands in solidarity with Black lives and our partners to demand transformative, systemic change so we can reimagine a public safety system that serves and uplifts, rather than punishes, communities of color. We call upon our elected leaders to enact reform to ensure that the Gianna’s experience of losing a father never happens again.
“Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Mr. Floyd’s family, and the many other families impacted by police brutality.”
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The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) influences policy, mobilizes communities and strengthens programs and organizations to improve the health of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.