Biden Speaks On Chauvin Verdict, Says Lives Of Black Men "Must Be Valued"

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Biden, Dderek Chauvin, George Floyd, Trial, Verdict
The president also spoke with George Floyd's family following the reading of the verdict: "We're all so relieved."

Following the revelation of the Derek Chauvin verdict, President Joe Biden was on the phone with George Floyd's family. President Biden has been vocal about this case, and like the rest of America, along with a global audience, has awaited the results. Chauvin has been convicted of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter, and now, America's president has addressed the country.

"I can't breathe. Those were George Floyd's last words," said Biden. "We can't let those words die with him. We have to keep hearing those words. We must not turn away. We can't turn away."

"This can be a moment of significant change," he added. "Nothing can ever bring their brother, their father back, but this can be a giant step forward in the march towards justice in America," Biden said. "For so many people it seems like it took a unique and extraordinary convergence of factors. A brave young woman with a smartphone camera. A crowd that was traumatized."

"Black men, in particular, have been treated throughout the course of our history as less than human. Their lives must be valued in...our nation. Full stop," the president stated. While speaking with Floyd's family, Biden can be heard on the phone telling them, "We were watching every second of this... We're all so relieved."

Check out video clips of Biden's speech and his conversation with the Floyd family below.

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About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.

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