Ozanne’s decision is just; Angry response to Robinson’s death is justified

It is difficult to walk out of District Attorney Ismael Ozanne’s news conference believing that his decision to not charge Officer Matt Kenny with a crime in the death of Tony Robinson is just – and we do believe it is just – and then see the grief, anger and deep worry on the faces of Robinson’s family, friends and supporters.

It is in fact heartbreaking. But only by accepting both realities can we truly achieve justice.

Ozanne’s explanation of his decision was thorough, conclusive, heartfelt and inescapably personal. We respect it and we trust it.

But the response, including anger, is justified too. While Office Kenny is not guilty, the system is. And there is injustice in racial achievement gaps, employment and income gaps, law enforcement and incarceration disparities. And Tony Robinson’s death is surely a symbol of those injustices.

At Tuesday morning’s Black Leadership Council news conference one speaker called for the results of this day to be a catalyst for permanent change. That is the justice and the justification we all seek.