A Statement from Rev. Dr. Anna S. Pearson on the Derek Chauvin Trial

04.22.21 | Food for the Soul, Uncategorized

Like many of you, we at Holy Apostles were watching as a jury announced its decision in the trial of the former police officer who murdered George Floyd almost one year ago.

The jury did the right thing by holding Derek Chauvin accountable for his actions. But this accountability should not be confused for true justice. True justice would only exist in a society where George Floyd –and the countless Black lives taken before and after him—were still alive today. True justice demands action.

This verdict is significant, but it is also one moment in a larger movement that Black individuals have been leading for far too long while too many allies were standing on the sidelines. Even as the trial unfolded, the deaths of Black men and women at the hands of police continued. The time is long overdue for our country to disassemble the systems and institutions that allow racial inequity to prosper.

At Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen, our work is guided by values of inclusion, radical hospitality, social justice, and compassion for our neighbors who are struggling with hunger, homelessness, and hardship. If you have volunteered here or walked past the line outside our building, you know our guests are disproportionately People of Color.

For almost 40 years, Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen has stood for and with the community. We have always known that Black Lives Matter. Seeing the humanity in every one of our neighbors and holding space in our hearts for all regardless of their circumstances; that is why the Soup Kitchen was founded, and why our work continues today.

There are more steps to take, and we continue to push ourselves, as an organization and as individuals, to do the crucial work of examining our words and actions, raising the voices of those who have been and are currently silenced, and seeking opportunities to learn, grow, and do more in the fight for racial equity. Together, let us continue our commitment to building a world defined by love and justice for all.

Rev. Dr. Anna S. Pearson

Rev. Dr. Anna S. Pearson

THE LATEST

Stay current on activity at the Soup Kitchen, guest stories, thoughts from Clergy, news and events.

Subscribe to receive the latest news, events, volunteer opportunities, and more — right to your inbox.