Lincoln teenager hopes George Floyd verdict will help change attitudes

She first experienced racist comments at just five years old

"It made me feel really singled out"
Author: Aaron RenfreePublished 22nd Apr 2021

A teenager from Lincoln, who was subjected to horrific racist bullying, hopes the George Floyd verdict will help change attitudes.

15 year old Hannah is joining others around the world in saying now’s the time more than ever to unite in the fight against racism.

She told our reporter Aaron Renfree she first experienced racist comments at just five years old.

"I remember my grandma talked to me about it and she just explained that there will be some people who will just be really mean to me solely from the colour of my skin.

"At that time I still didn’t understand why people were like that.

"It made me feel really singled out because the area I live in is mostly white, so I don’t feel like I can relate, or people really understand.

"I’ve always felt like that so I barely have anyone to talk to who will understand fully."

Since then, things have only escalated for Hannah, who's receiving counselling for social anxiety caused by traumatic events.

"I was walking through an alleyway to get to a park with my friend and a group of people walked past and shouted a load of things and slurs.

"That's something I always worry about.

"On my 14th birthday I went into town and someone just randomly shouted something at me, even though I was literally born here."

She's speaking up as a former US police officer faces decades behind bars after being convicted of murdering George Floyd.

A video of Derek Chauvin kneeling on the black man's neck in Minneapolis last May sparked anger around the world.

It led to a cultural awakening, with many nations addressing legacies of racism.

President Biden's promising to deliver 'real change and reform'.

Mr Floyd's brother, Philonise says the trial seemed unreal at times, almost like a movie.

"It was a motion picture, the world saw his life being extinguished and I could do nothing but watch.

"Especially in that court room, over and over and over again as my brother was murdered."

He admits he was shocked by the decision.

"I can get sleep now.

"When the jurors came out, guilty, guilty and guilty, I just couldn't believe it

"African American people, we never get justice."

"It's the beginning, of what I believe, a movement in the right direction"

The US Attorney General has now ordered an investigation into policing in Minneapolis.

Merrick Garland said the probe will examine whether the force in the city "engages in discriminatory conduct".

He's also keen to look into what he calls "systemic policing issues".

Mr Floyd's cousin, Shareeduh Tate, hopes the case will help change America.

"A win for George is ultimately a win for anyone who has to face what he did in the future.

"It's the beginning, of what I believe, a movement in the right direction."

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