The guilty verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin was but one small step in the right direction. With that step, our criminal justice system gave George Floyd and his family the accountability they deserved; though it could do nothing to ease the pain caused by his murder.

We all must realize just how pervasive systemic racism is. We need to stand with and support Minnesota’s BIPOC communities. We need to find ways to work together to end racial injustice, so that our state, our home, is a place where everyone can live safely and well.

Through our Diversity Equity Inclusion Access (DEIA) strategic directive, the Minnesota Board on Aging is committed to bring a social justice lens to the work of serving older Minnesotans. We will strive to eliminate institutional barriers and social inequities for all older adults. The Minnesota Board on Aging will work to ensure that the programs and the services we provide and support are inclusive, accessible and equitable.