E-Blast: Two Years Later, Public Opinion Shows Americans Stand with George Floyd and Want Public Safety and Police Reform

HIT NEWSLETTER

Two Years Later, Public Opinion Shows Americans Stand with George Floyd and Want Public Safety and Police Reform 

As we remember George Floyd on the second anniversary of his murder, we need an earnest and prolific discussion to address the issues of public safety, police brutality, and criminal justice reform. 

In our op-ed in Blavity, we write how Floyd’s and the murders of other Black Americans at the hands of the police sparked one of the largest and most diverse political mobilizations in history. As a result, most Americans believe a significant reconfiguration of public safety is necessary, one that pinpoints the root causes of crime and rejects a “tough on crime” approach that increases police presence. 

These findings can be seen nationwide, with our own BlackTrack poll indicating Black voters support redirecting resources from police departments to fund community services. In addition, the popularity of the Black Lives Matter movement also signifies the want to reform federal policing practices and address racism head-on. 

What these instances show us is the urgent need for reform. In our remembrance of George Floyd and others, it’s of the utmost importance to keep these issues prominently in the mainstream and work towards rehabilitation. We need to propose and facilitate processes that garner positive change and bring about serious improvements that construct lasting results. 
 

Thank you, 

Terrance Woodbury and Ashley Aylward