More work remains after Chauvin verdict, says SOBLACC leader

Katie Streit April 21, 2021

Last Updated: April 21, 2021

MEDFORD, Ore. – After Derek Chauvin was convicted of George Floyd’s murder, a local black man said he was shocked by the verdict.

Keith Jenkins is the Vice President of Southern Oregon Black Leaders, Activists, and Community Coalition, also known as SOBLACC. He admits he couldn’t watch the murder trial. Jenkins said he didn’t want to get invested only to see the ex-police officer walk free. Something he said happens all too much in our nation.

“If I’m going to be 100% honest with you, in the past I got far too invested in trials like this only to be let down. And only to feel like my life and people who look like me lives don’t matter,” said Jenkins.

He said there’s still work to be done to reform policing policies, as well as the way many minorities are treated. He said it’s an issue, not only across the country but within the Rogue Valley as well.

Katie Streit

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NBC5 News reporter Katie Streit comes from her hometown, Las Vegas. Katie went to the Hank Greenspun School of Journalism & Media Studies at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. While in Las Vegas, Katie won a Student Emmy for her coverage of the Las Vegas Shooting Anniversary. She also hosted and produced the university's political news show, where she interviewed Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak and Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-1). Her passion for politics turned into a coveted internship at the US Capitol in Washington D.C. In her final months working in the Las Vegas area, she was recognized for her journalism achievements by the Nevada Broadcaster's Foundation. Katie is excited to tell the stories of local Southern Oregonians and Northern Californians. Feel free to contact her at [email protected]