Clergy Rally for Peace and Justice Before and After Chauvin Guilty Verdict
By Cora Jackson-Fossett, Religion Editor
Published April 21, 2021
Pastors Michael Fisher, Najuma Smith-Pollard, Shep Crawford and Charles Johnson led a press rally on April 19 with clergy and community leaders to call for a peaceful response to the verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin. (Courtesy photo)
A day before the guilty verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial, four Los Angeles-area pastors united to lead a rally for peace and justice, not matter what the outcome. Their timely actions not only reinforced their ties to the pulse of the public, but some people commented that the rally helped community members to prepare to remain calm.
(RNS) A small group of faith leaders on Tuesday (April 20) gathered at Grand Park in downtown Los Angeles to await the verdict in Derek Chauvin’s trial in the murder of George Floyd. Ten months after protesters set up camp in the park to protest Floyd’s death, this gathering featured no protest signs, chants or demonstrations, only a quiet sense of expectation as word came that the jury had come to a decision.
When the guilty verdicts on three counts second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter were announced, there was a sense of relief that justice had been served amid a mood of quiet surprise.
Ex-Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin shown killing George Floyd (screenshot) LOS ANGELES, CA – When trouble erupts, communities often look to their local churches for help. However, in most cases it’s only after tragedy has struck. In anticipation of the unknown forthcoming verdict in the George Floyd murder trial a large group of prominent and influential faith leaders (Christian, Nation of Islam, Jewish, Catholic, etc.) have joined forces to proactively inform and instruct the community in an effort to discourage harsh and harmful reaction to the possible outcome. The group is expected to make a strong statement of unity and commitment in the fight for justice and equality through rallies and legislative measures.