NAMI’s Statement on the Outcome of the Derek Chauvin Trial

Posted on April 20, 2021

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) today released the following statement from CEO Daniel H. Gillison Jr., on the verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin:

“The murder of George Floyd last May in Minneapolis – and the continued killing of Black and other people of color by law enforcement – has had a profound impact on the mental health of our communities. The effects of trauma and re-traumatization are real, and it’s time we stop pretending the exposure to continued violence and death does not affect individuals and communities as a whole. As we have said before, racism is a public health crisis.

Today’s verdict is historic. Unlike in so many other cases of racial violence, justice has been served. This is a victory, but the fight for racial justice and against systemic racial violence is not over.

At NAMI, we are committed to providing hope and help to all who are in need. If you are looking for information and mental health resources or want to learn more about the impact of culture and identity on our mental health, please visit www.nami.org/your-journey/identity-and-cultural-dimensions. You are not alone.”