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.
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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
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.
MPD Officer Delivered a Severe Blow to the Head of a Detained Teenager
Media Contact–
MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 24, 2021
MPD Officer Delivered a Severe Blow to the Head of a Detained Teenager
Minneapolis, MN— Nearly ten months following the brutal death of George Floyd as a result of former Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin pressing his knee on Floyd’s neck, it is clear that Minneapolis Police have not changed their violent approaches to interacting with community members. Earlier today, police officers can be seen delivering a severe blow to the head of a detained teenager knocking him to the ground. This violent action could have resulted in death or serious bodily injury. (See video: facebook.com/nlmb.jboogie.9/videos/509440333380202 ~2:58 minute mark)
Community members, including several Black youths, were observing the police as they were making an arrest of a Black teenager. Meanwhile, approximately five officers surrounded another Black teenager with two of them holding him and another large white male police officer winding up and taking a full swing punch to the teenager’s head. There is no justification for the officers’ violent actions.
This continued violent approach towards the community only further erodes any remaining legitimacy that MPD may still have. The community wants to feel safe. However, when violent responses are continually delivered by MPD to Black Minneapolis residents, the MPD proves they cannot be the ones to provide community-wide safety.
“The video speaks for itself. The MPD is out of control. Years of inaction by Mayor Jacob Frey and previous mayors to hold police accountable results in officers feeling that they can get away with anything. They don’t take care if they are being filmed or if their body cameras are on. They know they can act with impunity.”, said Sonja Muus, Racial Justice Network member.
We demand that Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Police Chief Arrandono fire the officers involved in this violent action immediately. The time is now to end the violence of MPD.
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
Local Civil Rights Groups and Activists Demand Justice in Anticipation of Derek Chauvin Trial for Police Killing of George Floyd
Media Contact–
MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 06, 2021
Local Civil Rights Groups and Activists Demand Justice in Anticipation of Derek Chauvin Trial for Police Killing of George Floyd
Please be advised that on Sunday, March 7th, 2021 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM (CST), the Racial Justice Network, along with other grassroots advocacy groups, will be holding a Silent March in downtown Minneapolis to demand Justice for George Floyd on the eve of jury selection in the criminal case against Derek Chauvin. Chauvin has been charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter charges.
We are demanding convictions in the case of Chauvin and the other three officers involved in Floyd’s death, and an overhaul of the system of policing in Minneapolis, the State of Minnesota and across the country.
It is egregious that right before his death, George Floyd stated, “I Can’t Breathe,” nearly 30 times to Minneapolis police officers Derek Chauvin, Thomas Lane, J. Alexander Kueng and Tou Thao. Footage recorded by civilian bystanders showed a woman who identified herself as a registered nurse asking to take George Floyd’s pulse over 10 times.
Three weeks before George Floyd’s death, Chauvin, Lane, and Kueng used the same deadly tactics when they wrongfully detained another Black man. Even with the national and international scrutiny on Minneapolis and the entire state that followed, four Minnesotans have died at the hands of police since George Floyd; Dolal Idd was killed by MPD on 12/30/20 and three people lost their lives to police during the last week of February in Isanti and Wadena counties.
Tragically, over 405 Minnesotans’ lives have been taken by Minnesota law enforcement officers since 2000, and a disproportionate number of those individuals were Black, Brown, Native, Indigenous, Hispanic, Latinx and Asian. Derek Chauvin is the first white police officer in the history of Minnesota to be charged and tried in a court of law for the murder of a Black man despite a long history of violence by Minneapolis police toward the Black community.
“It is time to hold police accountable for their actions. Unfortunately, the systems and policies that are supposedly designed to do so, repeatedly fail. Significant changes are needed, such as an all-elected civilian police accountability council,” said Sonja Muus, member of the Racial Justice Network.
Join the Racial Justice Network on Sunday, March 7th, at 2:00 PM (CST), for the “I Can’t Breathe” Silent March for Justice as we mourn the murder of George Floyd and All Stolen Lives.
We continue to demand JUSTICE and substantial changes to policing in Minneapolis, throughout Minnesota, and across the country.
We will meet on the People’s Plaza outside the Hennepin County Government Center located at 300 S. 6th Street, Minneapolis, 55415. Participants are encouraged to wear all Black attire and to bring signs, flowers, and/or candles. Details can be found on our Facebook Event Page.
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
MPD Officers – second shooting in two weeks
Media Contact–
Nekima Levy Armstrong
nekimalevypounds@gmail.com
612-598-0559
MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 14, 2021
MPD Officers involved in second shooting within the last two weeks
Local civil rights group demands all body-worn and squad car footage be released immediately
Minneapolis, MN – We are deeply concerned to learn about the shooting of yet another person by Minneapolis police officers earlier today. This time it happened on the corner of Logan and Lowry in North Minneapolis. An eye-witness account describes counting 68 shell casings after shots were fired at the victim’s car. With the volume of shots fired, it is surprising that the victim only suffered non-life threatening injuries. Racial Justice Network is calling on Mayor Frey and Chief Arradondo to immediately release all unedited officer body-worn camera and squad car footage related to this incident.
Recent events have highlighted that law enforcement can use restraint even while facing armed white individuals threatening them. In many such instances, white people are viewed by law enforcement as human beings who may be making bad choices; as opposed to threats needing to be controlled.
According to a spokesperson from the Minneapolis Police Department, the person who was apprehended did not immediately shoot upon being stopped; the individual allegedly fired a shot once police were smashing their car window to extract them. After a significant number of shots were fired, additional officers arrived and then used “non-lethal” force. It is unclear what, if any, de-escalation techniques were used prior to a barrage of gunfire by police, which could have endangered more residents. Body-worn camera footage should be released to show the public further details of this encounter.
The most recent police shooting occurred just two weeks ago, resulting in a loss of life. In that case, Chief Arradondo authorized the release of body camera footage within 24 hours to the public.
“We demand that all unedited body-worn and squad car footage from the police shooting today, be released immediately to the public. We have seen too many instances in which MPD has used early statements to the media to prejudice the public about the victim of a police shooting,” said Nekima Levy Armstrong, civil rights attorney and founder of the Racial Justice Network.
“Unfortunately, the Minneapolis police have fostered an atmosphere of terror against Black bodies. If you are a person of color who is being apprehended by Minneapolis police, given their history of violence, it is easy to feel that your life is in danger and a person may react with that in mind. Based on early reports, the individual in this case was no longer within the vicinity of the 911 caller; implying any perception of an immediate threat to that caller was diminished. This should have provided time to deescalate the situation for the safety of all,” said Kimberly Milliard, member of the Racial Justice Network.
Our community is still grieving the murders of many lives stolen by MPD and surrounding police departments. Too often, residents of Minneapolis have watched members of the MPD incite violence against their neighbors, family members, and friends. The trauma associated with these experiences runs deep within our city, and events like today’s police shooting require immediate transparency and accurate communication from MPD, as well as public oversight to ensure proper protocols were followed, including de-escalation.
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
Minneapolis Foundation not credible on Police Accountability
Media Contact–
Michelle Gross 612-703-1612
Jaylani Hussein 612-406-0070
MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, June 22, 2020
MINNEAPOLIS FOUNDATION NOT CREDIBLE ON POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY.
A coalition of police accountability and civil rights organizations will be holding a press conference to denounce plans by Mayor Jacob Frey to turn over police accountability efforts to the Minneapolis Foundation and an unnamed group of advisors.
The Minneapolis Foundation is headed by former Minneapolis mayor R.T. Rybak. During his tenure as mayor, 38 people lost their lives at the hands of Minneapolis police officers including Chris Burns, Fong Lee, Terrance Franklin and Raymond Ziegler. He failed to take action to address these killings or the many complaints of police brutality, despite demands from the community. His administration shut down the Civilian Review Authority, first by defunding it then by replacing it with the utterly ineffective Office of Police Conduct Review. He oversaw the MPD’s involvement in the corrupt Metro Gang Strike Force. He condoned rank brutality against peaceful protesters and concertgoers in downtown Minneapolis during the Republican National Convention.
“As mayor, R.T. Rybak brought great harm to our community by failing to rein in police, why would anyone think he and his organization have any expertise or credibility on police accountability issues?” – Nekima Levy Armstrong with Racial Justice Network.
WHAT: Press Conference
WHEN: Monday, June 22 at 11:00 am
WHERE: Hallway outside of Mayor Frey’s office
Minneapolis City Hall, 350 S 5th Street, Room 331
“This is yet another hollow act by city leaders who have failed to adopt even the most basic police accountability measures. We can no longer play politics with people’s lives and safety. We must adopt robust real accountability measures now, including community control of the police.” – Jess Sundin with Twin Cities Coalition for Justice 4 Jamar.
This press conference is planned by a broad coalition of organizations including Council on American Islamic Relations Minnesota, Communities United Against Police Brutality, Minnesota Disability Justice Network, Black Lives Matter Minnesota, Black Lives Matter Twin Cities Metro, Racial Justice Network, Cop Watch Minneapolis, and others.
Press Conf : The death of Cornelius Frederick
Media Contact–
Nekima Levy Armstrong
nekimalevypounds@gmail.com
612-598-0559
MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 17, 2020
African American Community Leaders Demand That Minnesota End Out-Of-Home Placements for Juveniles After Teenage Boy Dies in a Michigan Juvenile Facility
Please be advised, that on Thursday, June 18, at 11:00 AM, African American leaders will hold a press conference outside of the Hennepin County Government Center (near the Peoples Plaza), to discuss the recent death of a 16-year-old African American boy, Cornelius Frederick, in a Michigan juvenile facility. Cornelius was killed after he was physically restrained by staff after throwing a sandwich. At the time of Cornelius’s death, four juveniles from Hennepin County had been placed there.
Cornelius’s death should come as a wake up to Hennepin County and the state of Minnesota, that placing children in out-of home placements is dangerous and unconscionable. African American boys are over-represented amongst children sent to out-of-home placements in Minnesota.
Given the heightened attention to police-involved killings of African American men at the hands of police in the wake of the murder of George Floyd, it is important to raise awareness about the dangers that youths face when placed in juvenile facilities and the need to end such practices in the state of Minnesota.
Speakers at the press conference will include–
Malaika Hankins, Legal Rights Center
Nekima Levy Armstrong, Attorney and Founder of the Racial Justice Network
Leslie E Redmond, Attorney and Minneapolis NAACP President
Kevin L Reese, founder of Until We Are All Free
Kelis Houston, founder of Village Arms
Elizer Darris, ACLU of Minnesota
Toussaint Morrison, Youth worker