The Heat: George Floyd and calls for U.S. police reform

The Heat

It’s been one year since George Floyd called out “I can’t breathe,” prompting one of the largest social justice movements in U.S. history. Floyd, an unarmed black man, was killed in police custody, when former Officer Derek Chauvin pressed his knee on his neck for over nine minutes. A jury found Chauvin guilty of second and third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in April. He will be sentenced next month and faces up to 40-years in prison. Floyd’s murder ignited nation-wide protests, along with calls for racial justice and police reform. But, one year later, U.S. lawmakers have failed to pass meaningful federal legislation.

Joining the discussion:

  • Cheryl Dorsey is a retired LAPD Sergeant and author of “Black and Blue: The Creation of a Social Advocate.”
  • Jason Nichols is a senior lecturer of African American Studies at the University of Maryland.
  • Imani Cheers is the Associate Director in the School of Media and Public Affairs at the George Washington University.
  • Joseph Williams is the senior news editor with U.S. News and World Report.

For more: