Honoring George Floyd
5 years ago, we experienced a collective, global moment of racial reckoning. For some, George Floyd's murder at the hands of the Minneapolis Police Department was another painful reminder of the ongoing violence and oppression of white supremacy. For others, it was a crucial first call to action to defend Black lives and futures.
Amidst the grief, anger, and confusion in the days that followed George Floyd’s murder, we also found safety and hope in our community. We joined our neighbors to march in the streets, grieve, and come together to build systems of safety and care that don’t rely on police or punishment. Long after the news cameras left, Black and brown leaders in Minnesota have continued working tirelessly to build a community where all of our neighbors are safe, cared for, and free.
Five years after George Floyd’s murder, we hope that you still find yourself believing in and fighting for a future where Black life is cherished and where we are all lovingly welcomed and abundantly resourced, no matter what we look like or where we were born. Join us in moving that belief into action:
If you’re local to the Twin Cities:
Gather with your neighbors at George Floyd Square at the Rise & Remember Festival, May 23-25.
Memorialize the Movement is offering free community events May 21-25; explore their itinerary and register to attend Justice for George: Commemorate. Cultivate. Celebrate.
The Minneapolis Institute of Art is hosting Day of Remembrance: Art Highlights, Art Heals, Art Activates on Friday, May 23.
If you’re honoring George Floyd and supporting Minneapolis from afar, attend We Remember. We Organize. We Fight the Police State, a virtual event hosted by New Justice Project and the Center for Popular Democracy on May 22. Register to attend a conversation on the attacks on our communities stemming from the expansion of policing, surveillance, detention, and incarceration, and a discussion on how we fight back and keep ourselves and our communities safe.
As nation-wide attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion grow, mainstream philanthropy is running away from funding organizations that explicitly center racial justice. Help sustain Minnesota’s Black-led racial justice work by making a donation to Relationships Evolving Possibilities (REP), Memorialize the Movement, and Win Back.
Stay in touch with us on social media to get involved in upcoming community power building events.
However you support our communities’ work - with a donation, by gathering in protest and remembrance, or by sharing this message with a friend - we are deeply grateful to be in the fight with you.
Yours in care and solidarity,
Voices for Racial Justice