WATCH: George Floyd's family's reaction after hearing the final verdict
"I can't breathe" was the phrase that was heard around the world and the 20th of April 2021 is the day this family has been anxiously waiting for.
Almost a year ago, Darnella Frazier, a 17-year-old, posted a video that would start an American revolution and would spark worldwide protests against police brutality and racial injustice.
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The now emblematic video showed Derek Chauvin, a veteran of the Minneapolis police force, kneeling on Floyd's neck, which eventually lead to the 46-year-old's death.
Many months and a three-week trial later, what seemed like the entire world held its breath, as it waited in suspense for the final verdict to be delivered.
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A crowd assembled outside of the courtroom and people even gathered outside of Cup Foods, the site where the tragic incident took place, as they awaited any news of the sentence.
Almost a year ago, this is the intersection where George Floyd took his final breaths. This is what it looked like today after Derek Chauvin was convicted on all charges. #GeorgeFloyd pic.twitter.com/0L28wkponz
— Omar Jimenez (@OmarJimenez) April 21, 2021
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After less than 11 hours, the jury had found Chauvin guilty on all charges and people all over the country celebrated this win that is a symbol of so much more than just a single murder.
Floyd's brother Rodney was at the courthouse, but the rest of his family members had to wait at home to hear the final verdict.
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It is a moment filled with so much emotion you can almost feel it through the screen:
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While the family received the outcome they had hoped for, it is a bittersweet moment as well.
Derek Chauvin answering for the crimes he had committed and being sentenced to up to 40 years in prison is what should be expected, but unfortunately, it won't return the innocent life that was taken.
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Since the verdict has been released, countless people have taken to social media to share their thoughts on the case and there is an overwhelming sense of relief, although many agree that this is only the beginning.
But this is just one step on the path towards a more equal society. Since George’s death, so many other Black people have died at the hands of the police and we must ensure the momentum of today continues. The fight isn’t over, and there is more to be done.
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) April 20, 2021
Rest in Peace #GeorgeFloyd Your murderer is going down, and Racism is being crushed. This isn’t the end, or the beginning, but the NOW is changing - people are waking up - and your name marks the moment. No going back 🙏🏽
— Thandiwe Newton OBE (@ThandiweNewton) April 21, 2021
Derek Chauvin’s conviction is not justice - it’s accountability.
— Nadia Whittome MP (@NadiaWhittomeMP) April 21, 2021
George Floyd is still dead. Black lives continue to be lost at the hands of the state, in the US and in the UK.
Justice demands we dismantle the systemic racism which enabled Floyd's murder.
If there was justice, George Floyd would still be alive. If there was justice, the system that terrorises Black people and people of colour would be put on trial.
— Ash Sarkar (@AyoCaesar) April 21, 2021
But there has been some small measure of accountability. I hope his family are brought some comfort by the verdict.
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Hopefully, this case can help America, and the rest of the world, take many more steps in the right direction, and this will not become the exception but instead become the new rule.
May you now truly rest in peace, George Floyd.
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Main image courtesy of WKMG News 6 ClickOrlando/YouTube