We hold the family and community of George Floyd in our hearts.

A guilty verdict for his killer is not the same thing as justice. This verdict would not be possible without the largest popular uprising in recent history - and, it does not change what we know to be true: convictions do not provide freedom for Black people and liberation for all.

In the brief moment of relief of hearing the guilty verdict, we were then saddened and angry to learn about the killing of Ma’Khia Bryant, 16, by the Columbus Police Department Tuesday. We mourn for her.

It is time to end this chapter in our history by defunding the police and instead investing in living wage jobs, housing for all, health care, mental health support, and other essential community services that actually keep seniors, our families and communities safe.

Jane Addams Senior Caucus will continue to share information from our allies on ways to support the movement to defund the police, invest in our communities, and fight for true structural justice.