Oklahoma City Activists React To Chauvin Murder Conviction

Activists and advocates for criminal justice reform across the country celebrated Tuesday’s conviction of Derek Chauvin in the killing of George Floyd, including in Oklahoma City. 

Artist Jabee Williams and Adriana Laws of the Collegiate Freedom and Justice Coalition said the guilty verdict was a relatively small victory in their mission for criminal justice reform. 

“I just hope that it's something that we can use to continue to push forward in the right direction,” said Williams. “It's a small win, but we haven't won the war. It's definitely a small victory.” 

“This was one victory but there are thousands more that need to be had,” said Laws. 

Chauvin was convicted of three counts stemming from Floyd’s death in May 2020. The most severe charge, second-degree murder, carries a maximum sentence of 40 years. He will be sentenced in eight weeks. 

Floyd’s murder sparked global protests. The demonstrations in Oklahoma City and across the country had some impact on Chauvin’s charge and eventual conviction, Laws and Williams said. 

“People are sick and tired of seeing people killed on the TV by police,” Williams said. 

I feel like that’s what spurred justice in this case, were mass protests all around the country. Kind of a second coming of the civil rights movement,” Laws said.