Change is...on the horizon! At least this is my hope. I will always remember that the year I turned 40 was the first time in my life a police officer was charged with three counts of murder for the death of a Black man in the United States. I never thought that it would happen and now that it has, I do wonder what’s next. Before the verdict, I produced a nine-minute and 29-second podcast to express my troubled feelings about the impending verdict. Never did I imagine the jury would take less than two full days to make a decision and never did I imagine the decision would be so just.

Today’s podcast was re-recorded last night with my father, Dwight Harshaw, and one of my brothers, Omavi Shukur. We discussed the verdict and our individual feelings about it. It’s interesting to hear where we agree and where we diverge. This is an example of how people of various backgrounds (although we are all family we are of different generations and have different experiences) can come to a discussion table and respectfully converse about a sensitive topic.

I am exceedingly happy for the Floyd Family and Minneapolis because now they have justice, and can rest knowing that they and the community fought hard and long for him, and won. I am equally sad for the family of Derek Chavin because his action has changed their lives forever. I pray for them because either way, whatever the outcome may have been, they too will suffer, due to association. I also agree with my brother that justice is not only punishment, it is also an opportunity for reconciliation and growth. May the Chavin and Floyd families find the time, heart, and strength to heal in this way.

As always, the music for this show is from the very talented Penn Davis. Check out his Instagram Page. The official art for the show is from the very talented Michaela Perkins.

Check out the social media pages for the show this week for interactive opportunities. I'm on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram all as @thisyeariturn40.