MPD kills another Black Man during high-speed chase
Media Contact–
MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 8, 2021
MPD kills another Black Man during high-speed chase
Community Groups demand officer Brian Cummings is fired immediately and that MPD follows its own policy to end high-risk pursuits
Minneapolis, MN— At around 12:30 AM on July 6th, Leneal Frazier, a Black man, was killed by the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) during a high-speed chase. Frazier was an innocent bystander who was not involved in the police pursuit. Frazier was a father and the uncle of Darnella Frazier, the teen who courageously filmed the murder of George Floyd. The trauma and pain that Darnella and her family have been forced to experience is unimaginable.
The dangerous, high-speed chase that resulted in Frazier’s death should have never happened. In 2019, MPD revised its pursuit policy to state that police may no longer initiate a pursuit or must terminate a pursuit in progress if it “poses an unreasonable risk to the officers, the public or passengers of the vehicle being pursued who may be unwilling participants.” Clearly this chase posed an unreasonable risk to the public since a Black man’s life was stolen in the process. We demand that MPD follow its own policy and put an immediate end to these dangerous high-speed pursuits.
Sadly, this is not an isolated incident. In October, 2020, three Black teenagers were killed during a similar high-speed police pursuit. There was seemingly no accountability for the tragic deaths of these children.
When officers are not held accountable for their actions, it sends a signal that their behavior is acceptable, even when their actions lead to unnecessary fatalities. Brian Cummings, the officer who recklessly crashed his squad car into Leneal Frazier’s vehicle, has a long record of complaints with no discipline. This is eerily reminiscent of Derek Chauvin’s long track record of misconduct and abuse of civilians, with little to no discipline by MPD. One database indicates 11 complaints have been filed against Cummings and three separate lawsuits. One lawsuit, settled by the city of Minneapolis, alleged that Mr. Cummings used excessive force when tasing someone on a mental health call.
“Yet again, another Black man is killed by MPD. Whether it is with their vehicle, knee or gun, Black people are not safe from the violence of those who are supposed to protect and serve”, said Nekima Levy Armstrong, civil rights attorney and founder of the Racial Justice Network. She continued, “Our prayers are with the Frazier family as they have to endure compounding traumas inflicted on their family by MPD.”
“When will Mayor Jacob Frey take decisive action to end the violence of MPD?,” said Billie Jean Van Knight from the Racial Justice Network. The miniscule changes that Mayor Jacob Frey has put forward have not stopped police violence. The Mayor must go beyond catchphrases, platitudes and minor tweaks to our system of policing. Instead of fixing this system which routinely fails, underserves and abuses Black residents, he has continuously asked for more funding for police, which does not solve these problems.”
We are demanding that Mayor Jacob Frey and Chief Arradondo fire Brian Cummings immediately for unjustifiably killing Leneal Frazier. Cummings also needs to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law for recklessly using his car as a weapon on a residential street. Finally, we demand a complete and thorough review of all MPD policies related to high-speed pursuits.
The Racial Justice Network (RJN) is a multi-racial, grassroots organization, committed to fighting for racial justice and building bridges across racial, social, and economic lines. racialjusticenetwork.com
Letter to Gov Walz, Re: Winston Smith
JUNE 10, 2021
The Honorable Tim Walz
Governor of Minnesota
130 State Capitol
75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
Saint Paul, Minnesota, 55155
Penned from–
Members of the Racial Justice Network
In response to the violent and horrific death of a Black man and father, Winston Smith, who was killed last week by Sheriff’s Deputies from Hennepin and Ramsey Counties under the authority of the U.S. Marshals
Dear Governor Walz,
As the world watches Minnesota and our demands for genuine transformation, accountability, and transparency within our system of policing, we face yet another violent and horrific death of a Black man and father at the hands of law enforcement.
Winston Smith was killed last week by Sheriff’s Deputies from Hennepin and Ramsey Counties under the authority of the U.S. Marshals.
The public has received scant details about what happened and why and even those details have changed repeatedly over the last few days. Not only has the public been told that there is no body camera or dash camera footage available, which is unfathomable in 2021; but now we are being told by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) that the identities of the officers will not be revealed because they were supposedly acting undercover.
It appears that no one is accepting responsibility or taking accountability for the police killing of Winston Smith.
As Minnesota residents, we deserve better and we demand better. Since you became Governor, multiple people have been killed by police under very questionable circumstances. Yet, we have not seen the calls for more transparency, stronger policies to protect the public from unwarranted police violence, and a more robust disciplinary system be addressed by you or your administration with a sense of urgency.
We have made clear for many years that the BCA is not a credible or competent agency for investigating killings by police officers. In addition to their lack of credibility, the BCA has major conflicts of interest which should result in the agency’s immediate removal from investigating the police killing of Winston Smith.
As you may know, Ramona Dohman, the current head of the U.S. Marshals for the District of Minnesota is the former boss of Drew Evans, the BCA Superintendent; stemming from her time as Commissioner of Public Safety for Minnesota.
Further, the Star Tribune recently reported that some BCA agents have been deputized by the U.S. Marshals to become members of their task force(s). Thus, we believe that it is impossible to expect a fair and impartial investigation. What we have seen thus far is evidence of a cover-up of the killing of Winston Smith.
We, the members of the Racial Justice Network, are calling for the following demands to be met:
- Immediately bar the BCA and all law enforcement agencies from participating in the US Marshal’s Northstar Task Force and any other federal task forces;
- Immediately remove the BCA from investigating the shooting of Winston Smith and request an independent federal investigation;
- Create an independent panel to review task force agency conduct and the memorandum(a) of agreement/understanding between Minnesota law enforcement agencies and federal law enforcement agencies. The independent panel should report findings and recommendations to the public; and there should be accountability for officers who engaged in civil rights and human rights violations of civilians;
- Hold Minnesota law enforcement officers who participated on the NorthStar Task Force that killed Winston Smith accountable under law. Their identities should also be released to the public, as well as any footage regarding this police killing;
- Pass meaningful police reform legislation and use your executive power and resources to establish an Independent Office of the Special Prosecutor to investigate and prosecute killings by law enforcement officers in the state of Minnesota.
The truth of what happened to Winston Smith and so many other individuals who have been killed by police in Minnesota, remains hidden beneath the thin blue line of injustice because of policy failures at the highest levels.
Governor Walz, the world is watching. We demand change. We demand a response from you and decisive action. We are not looking for lip service, politics as usual, or empty rhetoric. Even with all eyes on Minnesota, we continue to experience the same violent policing and adherence to qualified immunity that encourages lethal tactics and abuse of citizens. We demand change, not more empty promises.
Sincerely,
Racial Justice Network
Lack of Transparency in Federal Law Enforcement Task Force
Media Contact–
MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 5, 2021
Lack of Transparency in Federal Law Enforcement Task Force
Community Groups ask who is in charge and what are the terms of the MOA in light of a recent killing of a Black man by police in Minneapolis
Minneapolis, MN— On Thursday, June 3, a Black man was brutally shot and killed by local and federal law enforcement agencies in Minneapolis. Winston Smith was a father of three and a local comedian. Details surrounding the circumstances of his death have been scant and have changed frequently.
According to early reports, the law enforcement officers who shot Mr. Smith were operating under the “North Star Fugitive Task Force” led by the US Marshal Service. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has said there is no dash cam video or body worn camera footage of the incident because the US Marshal Service does not allow it. However, the Minnesota US Attorney’s Office confirmed this is not factually accurate. Law enforcement officers participating on Federal Task Forces are allowed to use body worn cameras.
There are so many questions that need answers; and the lack of transparency by law enforcement officials is incredibly alarming. For example:
Why was this Task Force allowed to operate without body worn cameras? Did Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington, Hennepin County Sheriff Dave Hutchinson, Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher, Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo and Mayor Jacob Frey sign off on this decision?
What policies and procedures does this Task Force operate under and who is accountable for their actions?
What are the terms of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between this Task Force and local government?
Why did this task force place everyone in unnecessary danger by trapping and ambushing Mr. Smith in a parking lot in a busy part of town?
Why is there a pattern of these dangerous apprehension tactics being used like in this case and in Dolal Idd’s case?
“The lack of transparency in the MOA allows all of these agencies to escape responsibility for lying, their faulty decision-making and devaluing of Black life”, said Nekima Levy Armstrong, civil rights attorney and founder of the Racial Justice Network. She continued, “We need real answers about what happened and why; who authorized this and why are they silent about it? Black people are not safe in this city.”
“We see white armed suspects apprehended without incident over and over again,” said Billie Jean Van Knight from the Racial Justice Network. “These aggressive tactics do not keep the community safe, but actively damage it.”
We are demanding that law enforcement officials and state and local political leaders such as Mayor Jacob Frey promptly answer these questions coming from the community. We also demand a complete and thorough review of all task forces working in the City of Minneapolis. This review needs to include a detailed action plan to end these aggressive tactics and to increase transparency and accountability in how the city is being policed.
The Racial Justice Network (RJN) is a multi-racial, grassroots organization, committed to fighting for racial justice and building bridges across racial, social, and economic lines. racialjusticenetwork.com
Community & George Floyd Square Caretakers Condemn the City of Minneapolis for Closing GFS
Media Contact–
Email address: jhussein@cair.com
Phone: 612-406-0070
Email address: zmohamed@cair.com
Phone: 612-229-5585
MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 3, 2021
Community and George Floyd Square Caretakers to Condemn the City of Minneapolis for Closing George Floyd Square and Reopening the Street Without Meeting the Demands of the Community.
Minneapolis, MN-This morning, the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN) will Join the Community leaders and George Floyd Square caretakers to Condemn the City of Minneapolis for opening the George Floyd Square Without meeting the demands of the community.
See: See: Minneapolis workers clear traffic barricades at George Floyd Square
COMMUNITY MEMBERS FIERCELY OPPOSE INHUMANE ATTEMPTS BY THE CITY OF MINNEAPOLIS TO SHUT DOWN GEORGE FLOYD SQUARE
Please be advised that today at Noon (12pm), June 3rd, 2021, leaders and community members will be holding a press conference at George Floyd Square regarding the inhumane actions of the city of Minneapolis in attempting to shut down George Floyd Square.
At around 5AM today, the city of Minneapolis sent dozens of city workers, bulldozers, and other equipment to George Floyd Square to remove mementos, signs, and other precious items left by visitors, as well as barricades surrounding the square. The actions of city officials to disrupt and dismantle a sacred memorial site to get back to business-as-usual is highly disturbing, traumatizing, and inhumane.
WHEN: Thursday, June 3rd at 12:00 PM
WHERE: George Floyd Square – 38th & Chicago
CONTACT:
CAIR-MN Executive Director Jaylani Hussein, 612-406-0070, jhussein@cair.com;
CAIR-MN Community Advocacy Manager Zaynab Mohamed, 612-229-5585, Zmohamed@cair.com
“I was traumatized by the reopening of the street at George Floyd Square. I just cried because it was traumatizing to see what has happened. No one told me or the community. But one thing I will not do even though they opened the street: I will never drive my car down the street where my nephew was killed, knowing that he had cried out for his mama,” said Angela Harrelson, Aunt of George Floyd and Co-chair of the board of the George Floyd Global Memorial.
George Floyd Square has become a local, national, and international place for healing, memorialization of the life of George Floyd and many others who have been killed by police, and a place of resistance against oppression, racism, and white supremacy. There is literally no other place like it in the world.
“For the last 12 months, I have served as one of many volunteer caretakers of George Floyd Square. All I could do was weep when I saw how the city worked to tear down the one sacred space we have to memorialize those who have been killed by police. There are no words for the pain I feel. The fight for justice continues, said Jeanelle Austin, South Minneapolis resident and volunteer.
Jaylani Hussein executive of CAIR-MN said, “George Floyd square should be respected and the demands by the community for police accountability has yet to be met. The case for the remaining officers is pending and GFS is and will always be a national memorial for victims of police violence.”
Last August, activists and community members presented a list of 24 demands to city leaders in order to address the short and long term concerns of community members, including the lack of economic opportunity in the community surrounding George Floyd Square (See Justice Resolution here). The city has not met those demands or responded in good faith to community concerns.
CAIR-MN’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR-MN es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
––
The Racial Justice Network (RJN) is a multi-racial, grassroots organization, committed to fighting for racial justice and building bridges across racial, social, and economic lines. racialjusticenetwork.com
Condemn the City of Bloomington for flying the thin blue line flag
Media Contact–
Email address: jhussein@cair.com
Phone: 612-406-0070
Email address: zmohamed@cair.com
Phone: 612-229-5585
MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 27, 2021
CAIR-MN will Join Community Leaders and Faith Leaders to condemn the City of Bloomington for flying the thin blue line flag over the Bloomington city Police Department.
Minneapolis, MN— CAIR-MN will Join Community Leaders and Faith Leaders to condemn the city of Bloomington for flying the Thin blue line flag -a symbol of white supremacy over the Bloomington city Police Department.
See: Bloomington Council Minute May 19
The thin Blue line Flag Flown over the Bloomington city Police Department represents bigotry, white supremacy and ideology that is exclusionary and dangerous to black and brown bodies across America. Flying this flag over the Bloomington police department is especially insensitive during the time marking the one-year murder of George Floyd at the hands and knees of law enforcement. The thin blue line flag is a representation of keeping the status quo of unjust policing in the state of Minnesota and Community leaders along with faith leaders condemn this act and call for accountability.
WHEN: Thursday, May 27th at 11:00 AM
WHERE: 1800 W Old Shakopee Rd, Bloomington, MN 55431
CONTACT:
CAIR-MN Executive Director Jaylani Hussein, 612-406-0070, jhussein@cair.com;
CAIR-MN Community Advocacy Manager Zaynab Mohamed, 612-229-5585, Zmohamed@cair.com
CAIR-MN’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR-MN es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
––
The Racial Justice Network (RJN) is a multi-racial, grassroots organization, committed to fighting for racial justice and building bridges across racial, social, and economic lines. racialjusticenetwork.com
Derek Chauvin Guilty Verdict is a Powerful Step Towards Police Accountability; More Work to Be Done
Media Contact–
MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 18, 2021
Guilty Verdict against Derek Chauvin is a Powerful Step Towards Police Accountability; yet More Work Remains to Be Done
Minneapolis, MN— We are elated that the first step on the road to police accountability has been taken with the conviction of Derek Chauvin on all three charges for the heinous murder of George Floyd. The guilty verdict in this case is a cause for celebration for the Black community and all people looking to live in a better world. We celebrate the years-long persistence of Black leaders in our community that made this happen. We can finally exhale and release the tension we have been holding for almost a year, hoping this moment would come.
Three weeks ago, civil rights attorney and Racial Justice Network founder, Nekima Levy Armstrong wrote in an op-ed published by BET, “A guilty verdict is the only acceptable justice for George Floyd. . . . [A second-degree murder conviction signals] to white police officers in Minnesota and elsewhere that they are no longer above the law.”
Even as we celebrate, it is crucial that we not allow the police to characterize Derek Chauvin as one bad apple, when the whole system is in need of significant overhaul. We will, however, hold him up as an example that change is coming and that change is possible.
“Let this be a notice to all police that we will no longer tolerate the unwarranted use of deadly force. If you are at the foot of someone who is being murdered by your colleague(s), it is your responsibility to stop that murder. If you can’t do it for the human being in your care, do it because you will go to jail,” says Billie Jean Van Knight, Racial Justice Network member.
Though we affirm the verdict in this case against Derek Chauvin, the entire system must be re-examined and overhauled, given the disparate harm it perpetuates upon Black, Brown, and Indigenous people. “There are those in civic leadership who would have us believe that Derek Chauvin is an aberration from how policing in Minnesota works rather than emblematic of it,” says Kimberly Milliard, a member of Racial Justice Network, “but we know that by itself, the conviction of one individual former police officer does nothing to change the system which allowed for George Floyd to be murdered in the first place. This is the very system which allowed Derek Chauvin to sincerely believe he could get away with it – because several times before George Floyd, he literally had.”
As we celebrate with community in this historic moment, much work remains to be done in transforming the system of policing. To that end, Racial Justice Network demands the following:
1. The immediate end of Operation Safety Net;
2. Passing by the Minnesota Legislature of the nine police reform bills set forth by the Minnesota Justice Coalition;
3. Washington County Prosecutor Pete Orput to bring second-degree and third-degree murder charges against former Brooklyn Center officer Kimberly Potter, for the murder of Daunte Wright on April 11, 2021;
4. The reopening of the cases of all killings by police officers in Minnesota. All stolen lives deserve justice; and
5. The conviction of former Minneapolis police officers Alexander Kueng, Thomas Lane, and Tou Thao for aiding and abetting second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter against George Floyd.
The Racial Justice Network (RJN) is a multi-racial, grassroots organization, committed to fighting for racial justice and building bridges across racial, social, and economic lines. racialjusticenetwork.com
A Multi-Racial Coalition of Women and Mothers Calls for Murder and Manslaughter Charges against Kimberly Potter
MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 18, 2021
A Multi-Racial Coalition of Women and Mothers Calls for Murder and Manslaughter Charges against Kimberly Potter in the brutal police killing of Daunte Wright.
Brooklyn Center, MN— Please be advised that on Sunday, April 18, 2021 at 3pm, there will be a press conference by Black and white women and mothers regarding the insufficient charges being brought against Kimberly Potter, the white women officer who racially-profiled and killed Daunte Wright, a 20-year-old Black man in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. We will also call for an immediate end to Operation Safety Net, a violent police/military operation that has reigned terror upon Black people and protesters standing in solidarity with them.
The press conference will be held across the street from the Brooklyn Center Police Department at 1500 69th Avenue North, Brooklyn Center.
Today, as our community grieves the loss of Daunte Wright, yet another black man killed by police, a coalition of Black and white women are coming together in solidarity to demand accountability for his death and an end to state-sanctioned violence against the community.
“For over 400 years Black people in America have been killed by state-sanctioned violence. In 1965, civil rights organizer Ella Baker said, “Until the killing of black men, black mothers’ sons, becomes as important to the rest of the country as the killing of a white mother’s sons, we who believe in freedom cannot rest,” said Nekima Levy Armstrong, civil rights attorney and activist.
Black women leaders have called for Kimberly Potter, former Brooklyn Center police officer, to be charged with murder and manslaughter for the killing of Daunte Wright. During the protests following Daunte Wright’s death, we have seen the results of Operation Safety Net unleashed on protesters, the majority of whom are young people of color, and surrounding community residents with devastating effects.
Black leaders have called for the immediate termination of Operation Safety Net and the violence and trauma this violent and abusing police/military regime has inflicted upon the community.
“Operation Safety Net is harming Black youth, those standing in solidarity with them, and children living in the neighborhood of the Brooklyn Center Police Department. We demand an immediate end to this deadly and abusive operation. The killing of any human being should be unacceptable to us all, and we as Black and white women are coming together to demand murder and manslaughter charges be brought against Kimberly Potter to hold her accountable for the murder of Daunte Wright,” said Amelia Hansa, member of the Racial Justice Network.
The Racial Justice Network (RJN) is a multi-racial, grassroots organization, committed to fighting for racial justice and building bridges across racial, social, and economic lines. racialjusticenetwork.com
Kim Potter charges insufficient
Media Contact–
MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 14, 2021
Kim Potter charges insufficient
Brooklyn Center, MN— Three days ago, former police officer Kim Potter, a 26 year police veteran, shot and killed Daunte Wright, a 20-year-old Black man and father of a toddler. Earlier today, Washington County Attorney announced he would only bring 2nd-degree manslaughter charges against Potter. However, manslaughter charges are insufficient in this case. The body-worn camera footage and the circumstances surrounding this case warrant murder charges.
Body camera footage revealed that Potter had her gun out and pointed at Wright for several seconds before shooting Mr. Wright. Additionally, Potter had her gun on her right side and her taser on her left side. There is also a substantial weight difference between a gun and a taser. Not only was Kim Potter a 26 year veteran on the force, she was a training officer and the president of the police union. Shooting and killing Mr. Wright was not an accident and the charges should reflect that.
“Kim Potter needs to be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law for the brutal, reckless, and unnecessary killing of Daunte Wright, just as a civilian would be held accountable and charged with murder under similar circumstances. In fact, Potter’s years of firearms and tactical training and experience should result in her being held to a higher standard than the average person. Daunte Wright was racially-profiled, treated like a threat, and dehumanized by Potter because he was a young Black man. If he had been a young white man, none of this would have ever happened, ” said Nekima Levy Armstrong, Attorney and founder of the Racial Justice Network.
“Potter’s actions indicated a history of this behavior which suggests habit rather than “accident”, notes Jessica Marshik, member of the Racial Justice Network. Marshik continues: “In the fight to combat white supremacy, it is imperative that the state of Minnesota hold white officers accountable for their racist, irrational fear and deadly actions.”
We demand Washington County bring stronger charges of 3rd-degree murder and 2nd-degree manslaughter; comparable to those in the case of former officer, Mohammed Noor (a Black Muslim, convicted of killing Justine Ruszczyk-Damond, an affluent white woman). We also reiterate the need for Governor Tim Walz to appoint a special prosecutor in this and all cases of police killings.
The Racial Justice Network (RJN) is a multi-racial, grassroots organization, committed to fighting for racial justice and building bridges across racial, social, and economic lines. racialjusticenetwork.com
Community Calls For Boycott of Benihana Due To Racist, Dangerous Abuse Against Black Customers
Media Contact–
MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Community Calls For Boycott of Benihana Due To Racist, Dangerous Abuse Against Black Customers
Please be advised that on Wednesday, March 31, 2021, at 4:00pm in front of Benihana Golden Valley, 850 Louisiana Avenue, South Golden Valley, MN 55426, community members will be speaking out against racist and discriminatory behavior towards African American customers by Benihana’s management.
On March 29, 2021, five Black Women, including an elder and toddler, were refused services after asking for their table to be properly cleaned and to speak with the manager. The police were called by the manager of Benihana’s Golden Valley location in an attempt to intimidate, criminalize, and physically remove the five women from the restaurant. The manager on duty, Kim, verbally threatened to have the woman arrested if the women did not get up from the table in which they were seated and leave the restaurant. The request from the manager came without explanation and/or reason.
“This was the modern-day Jim Crow refusal of service to customers based on the color of their skin,” said Rosemary Nevils Williams, elder, activist and co-founder of the African American Center of Minnesota, in response to being forcibly removed from the restaurant.
“As a St. Paul Public Schools board member, I don’t expect special treatment when I go out to restaurants, but as a Black woman who works on behalf of my community, I do expect to be treated with dignity. I was excited about celebrating my birthday with my wife and my closest friends, but the Benihana manager’s discriminatory treatment turned my celebration into a nightmare. I don’t want to see other Black customers treated like second class citizens in businesses they patronize,” said Chauntyll Allen, founder of Black Lives Matter Twin Cities and Love First.
The Parties’ Demands Include:
• Immediate termination of the racist and unprofessional manager, Kim;• A Boycott of the Golden Valley location;• A public apology from the Benihana Corporation;• Anti- Racism training for the staff, with a focus on unlearning anti-blackness;• A corporate wide policy against calling the police on African Americans and other communities of color; and• Benihana Corporation to pay the Culinary Arts tuition of five African American students eachyear, during the existence of the company.
RJN in solidarity with Leslie E. Redmond's open letter and call for true justice.
Demand removal of Racist Mike Freeman
from the Conviction Review Unit.
You do not need to live in Hennepin County in order to sign!
MARCH 20, 2021
The Honorable Tim Walz
Governor of Minnesota
130 State Capitol
75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
Saint Paul, Minnesota, 55155
The Honorable Keith Ellison
Attorney General of Minnesota
445 Minnesota Street, Suite 1400
St. Paul, MN 55101-2131
Penned from–
Members of the Racial Justice Network,
Criminal Justice Subcommittee.
In response and support of Leslie E. Redmond’s recent open letter & call for true justice to fellow CRU Advisory Board Members, Community Stakeholders, and Elected Officials.
Dear Governor Walz and Attorney General Ellison,
As members of the Racial Justice Network, we stand in solidarity with attorney and former Minneapolis NAACP President, Leslie E. Redmond. We echo Ms. Redmond’s concerns and we further demand that the Conviction Review Unit show integrity in its mission and take responsibility to ensure that a process is put in place that is fair, equitable, community-centered, and justice-oriented.
Ms. Redmond highlighted major issues surrounding community credibility, integrity, and urgency as it pertains to the advisory board that you have established. As members of the Twin Cities’ community, we have seen similar issues arise time and time again in the way that elected officials in Minnesota handle matters regarding criminal justice.
We stand with Ms. Redmond in her disapproval of who has been chosen to serve on the advisory board. Most notably, we recognize the lack of adequate community representation within this group. There are numerous community members with “lived experiences and proximity to community-based solutions,” as Ms. Redmond put it, who would arguably be more qualified to help correct the omnipresent racial disparities within the criminal justice system in Minnesota.
Additionally, there is no excuse to ignore that one of the most egregious perpetrators of this broken system, Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman, has a seat at the table. As Ms. Redmond pointed out, he has stood in the way of releasing innocent people from prison, like Myon Burell.
The impact of Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman’s overzealous prosecutions in black and brown communities can be felt all over Hennepin County. Furthermore, he has refused to prosecute white suspects who murdered or seriously injured Black people. We saw this happen recently when Freeman announced that he would not be charging John Rieple with the murder of Calvin Horton.
Mike Freeman should not be allowed to review or participate on any justice reform board.
It is unsettling that Ms. Redmond was corrected when she called this group the “Conviction Integrity Unit,” which is an accepted interchangeable name for a CRU. The word integrity, implies action. Integrity implies responsibility. To prevent innocent people from remaining in prison is integrity; it is justice. That is precisely what we expect from the CRU.
We agree with Ms. Redmond’s call for urgency. With all eyes on Minnesota as an epicenter of the movement toward racial justice, these changes need to be implemented swiftly. Community credibility, integrity, and urgency must be at the forefront of the Conviction Review Unit.
We demand that Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman be immediately removed from this advisory board and replaced with community members that have been impacted by the racist criminal justice system.
Additionally, we stand in solidarity with Ms. Redmond and all of the concerns she outlined in her open letter released on March 17, 2021.
Respectfully,
Members of the Racial Justice Network,
Criminal Justice Subcommittee
CC: Conviction Review Unit – Advisory Board Members
We need you to sign the petition.
You do not need to live in Hennepin County in order to sign!
