What America must learn from the tragedy of George Floyd

While in the NFL, Colin Kaepernick knelt during the national anthem to protest police brutality. Too many Americans dismissed his demonstration. Because the system persisted unchanged, George Floyd and others were killed. We all bear witness to this tragedy.

Most people know the details now, having seen the video and the widespread coverage. Minneapolis police officers suspected that George Floyd, a 46-year-old African American, had used a counterfeit $20 bill. They slammed him down on the pavement during the arrest. White police officer Derek Chauvin pushed his knee against Floyd’s neck and held it there for nearly nine minutes. Three other officers restrained Floyd and prevented spectators from intervening.