Howard Brown Grieves the Injustice of the Rittenhouse Trial
Rittenhouse Verdict Statement
Today, Kyle Rittenhouse was found not guilty of all felonies he was charged with following his shooting of three people, two fatally, during protests in Kenosha, Wisconsin last year.
We know that this sentence carries with it deep sadness, anger, fear, and trauma. We stand in support of communities that mourn the victims and continue to seek healing and justice. Ultimately, we know that no sentence could bring about true justice. No sentence could bring Anthony Huber and Joseph Rosenbaum back to their families. Nor could it instantly heal the physical, mental, and emotional trauma inflicted on Gaige Grosskreutz.
It is critical to remember that this case is at its core rooted in racial inequity. There is still no justice or accountability for the harm caused to Jacob Blake, whose shooting by police led to the protest where Rittenhouse shot three people. Amid the ongoing trial of Gregory McMichael, Travis McMichael, and William Bryan for the murder of Ahmaud Arbery, much work remains to be done to secure true justice for all victims of hate and senseless violence.
Racism is a public health crisis. We must continue to work together to advance racial justice and dismantle structural racism wherever it exists, including in healthcare systems. At Howard Brown Health, we remain committed to advancing policies and strategies to eliminate health disparities rooted in racism, including the disproportionate impact of police violence. Our continued commitment requires meaningful investment in Black and other traditionally under-resourced communities, including funding to utilize public health approaches instead of policing for public safety. To honor our commitment, Howard Brown will continue to work with the communities we serve. Together, we can build a future where healthcare and transformative social policies actualize human rights and equity for all.
This statement is just one step in our fight for racial equity and justice. We must all come together. We all have a role to play. We encourage you to support Black-owned businesses (blackownedchicago.com), volunteer your time, and support organizations working towards racial equity and justice. If you are not a person of color, we encourage you to continue learning how you can be anti-racist.
Resource lists
Chicago organizations
- Chicago Alliance Against Racist & Political Repression
- BYP100 (Black Youth Project 100)
- Brave Space Alliance