We know that the work of dismantling systemic racism and confronting anti-Blackness is far from over. The words of the nine local folks whose pieces we've excerpted here stand to remind us that there is no more important work to be done.

The Conversation's Catesby Holmes highlights stories that offer expert analysis and key background on police violence, Derek Chauvin’s record, and racism in U.S. law enforcement.

"I could never take for granted that my three boys would return home each night. They are men now, but I still don’t sleep," says contributor Lynette Hazelton in this personal column.