Derek Chauvin's murder conviction prompted a number of associations to express relief at the outcome while calling for continued strides toward ending systemic racism. Some groups pointed to ways they are working to bring about societal change.

Chauvin, a Minneapolis police officer, was convicted Tuesday of second-degree murder and other charges in the May 2020 death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old unarmed Black man.

The National Medical Association, "the collective voice of African American physicians and the leading force for parity and justice in medicine," said its work is not done until the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act is signed into law by President Biden. The bill was first introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on June 8, 2020, two weeks after Floyd's death. The legislation was reintroduced in 2021 and approved by the House in March mostly along party lines. The bill needs at least 10 Republicans votes to pass the Senate.

"Death and trauma inflicted upon unarmed Black people during encounters with the police is occurring far too often in the United States," NMA said in a statement. "Our status as medical professionals does not shield us from unwarranted encounters but does call upon us to be advocates for justice and reform."

The American Heart Association said in a statement that the verdict "unleashes a torrent of emotions." AHA also said it is committed to investing in initiatives aimed at achieving health equity.

"We will continue to spotlight scientific evidence showing that structural racism contributes to the disproportionate risk for cardiovascular disease in Black, Asian, American Indian/Alaska Native and Hispanic/Latino people in America," AHA said.

The Association of American Colleges & Universities expressed support for the creation of a United States Commission on Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation (TRHT), which would create "a national framework" for racial healing.

AAC&U pointed to the growing number of TRHT Campus Centers as a sign of hope. Since 2018, AAC&U has partnered with 29 colleges and universities to develop the centers to prepare the next generation of leaders to "break down racial hierarchies," according to its website. The association aims to create at least 150 centers.

Business Roundtable said the verdict "confirms that George Floyd was the victim of a senseless crime." However, the statement continued, "unarmed Black men and women continue to die in encounters with the police. To ensure true justice and healing, our country needs to take steps to address its long history of racial inequity in law enforcement."

BRT said it is working with Congress and the Biden Administration on bipartisan policing reforms that implement national policing standards and greater accountability, training, community engagement and transparency.

Rick Wade, senior vice president of strategic alliances and outreach at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said in a statement, "Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the family of George Floyd. There has been much attention paid to the trial and today marks a step towards healing. As a nation, we need to remain steadfast in our pursuit of equality of opportunity for Black Americans and other people of color."

The Chamber pointed to the Equality of Opportunity Initiative it launched in June 2020 "to pursue policy and private sector solutions to bridge underlying racial divides that contribute to broader, systemic inequalities in our society."

The Chamber said it will continue to work with the business community to advance solutions that address disparities and close the economic divide.

MORE CEO DATELINE

• Entertainment venues still waiting on promised federal aid
• Association develops video game to encourage technician careers in trucking
• Ag groups blast decision to cancel federal food aid program
• Global travel group pushes Orlando conference from July to November
• Associations seek more port funding to support offshore wind power