Today, I’m thinking of Ahmaud Abery’s family and loved ones, who have spent the last two years fighting for accountability. Thanks to them, Ahmaud's legacy will live on. Today’s verdict sends a very clear message to everyone in this country and the world that Ahmaud's life mattered, and that in this case, our hate crimes statutes were able to create accountability for deadly actions fueled by racism. But, while this verdict matters, it also reminds us that Ahmaud should never have been killed in the first place. It is my hope that today’s victory will help us realize a new day where we put an end to racism and racist violence.