June 5, 2020

We join all those around the world mourning the theft of George Floyd’s life.

We hold the pain of George’s murder, and we maintain our call for justice, accountability, and change.

The JCRC is proud to support the legislative package proposed by the Minnesota Legislature’s People of Color and Indigenous (POCI) Caucus. The legislative changes proposed by the POCI Caucus are a critical vehicle in dismantling the systemic racism embedded in law enforcement.

We also fully support the Department of Human Rights investigation into potential discriminatory practices towards people of color by the Minneapolis Police Department over the past decade. This investigation has been welcomed by Chief Medaria Arradondo and Mayor Jacob Frey. We hope the investigation provides the tools necessary to uproot the systemic racism that is evident in MPD practices.

Lastly, we applaud the upgrading of charges against the former officer who knelt on George Floyd’s neck and the charging of the additional three officers who are complicit in George’s murder. In announcing the upgraded charges, Attorney General Keith Ellison wisely reminded us:

“One successful prosecution cannot rectify the hurt and loss that so many people feel.

The solution to that pain will be the slow and difficult work of constructing justice and fairness in our society.

That work is the work of all of us.”

As we head into Shabbat, let us all take time to rest, reflect, and recharge for the work ahead as we continue to march on the long road to justice.

Steve Hunegs,
Executive Director

PS – please see below resources to listen to and learn from leaders in Minnesota’s Black community, educate yourself about Minneapolis’ history of systemic racism, and opportunities to offer support — both financially and through your time, talent, and ties.

GET INFORMED

There is no shortage of resources to learn about anti-racism, police violence, and systemic racism. Here are a few to watch this weekend from our partners at Urban League Twin Cities, The Times of Israel, and Twin Cities PBS.

WATCH: Urban League Twin Cities Real Talk (May 29, 2020)

WATCH: Civil Rights Attorney Abou Amara with JCRC’s Director of Government Affairs Ethan Roberts and The Times of Israel’s Sarah Tuttle-Singer

GET ENGAGED

Many people, businesses, and organizations around the Twin Cities that were already hit hard by the challenges associated with COVID-19 are now dealing with another unprecedented crisis.

The JCRC is proud to partner with Urban League Twin Cities to assemble Twin Cities Professionals Corps – a team of volunteers providing pro bono accounting, banking, business development, insurance, legal, and other related services for individuals and organizations led by or serving communities of color.

Interested in getting involved? Email Sami Rahamim as we work to build this cohort and support our communities.”

Mapping Prejudice — the team of geographers, historians, digital humanists and community activists seeking to expose structural racism in the Twin Cities –needs volunteers to further its work identifying racial covenants in Ramsey County. You can learn more about Mapping Prejudice and what their research uncovers in the TPT documentary Jim Crow of the North (see above).

Register here to volunteer from home with the Mapping Prejudice team.

DONATE

Two of Minneapolis’ most important cultural and commercial corridors need our help to rebuild.

Please pitch in to support the West Broadway Business and Area Coalition and the Lake Street Business Association.

Please also see a more comprehensive list of organizations needing support compiled by the Minneapolis Jewish Federation.