Last summer, we were heartbroken and angered by the tragic killings of George Floyd and other Black Americans. George Floyd’s life mattered and his death was the catalyst for a renewed commitment to fight intolerance and injustice. Words were not enough – we had to take action. As a society, we need to do better for each other and for the generations to come.

Horizon continues to stand firmly and unequivocally against discrimination, hatred, racism, violence and bigotry, and to stand with those committed to advance the causes of equality and justice.

Today the trial of Derek Chauvin came to a close as a jury of his peers rendered their verdict. While this verdict will not change the terrible loss for the Floyd family, we take comfort in the fact that justice has been served. We hope this will bring some measure of closure and serve as another meaningful step toward healing and change as we reaffirm our commitment to contribute to the hard work needed to live up to our country’s ideals.

Last year, Horizon developed our Pledge to Achieve Positive and Lasting Change. We have made real and meaningful progress toward our goals, but that is for another day. Today, we think of George Floyd and his family, of our colleagues and family members feeling the impact of this verdict, and of a nation and its people who are the best and only chance we have to fulfill the promise of a more just, compassionate, and equal society.