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Colleagues,
While individuals, organizations, and communities grieve the news and aftermath of the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, I want to remind us all to take care of ourselves during this time of tragedy. This moment is painful for our entire state, especially our communities of color, who will be impacted by the trauma and grief for years to come.
I live in Minneapolis and I know many of you do, as well, so you’re feeling this more directly, especially if you live in the neighborhoods that have been wracked with protests and violence in recent days.
These events have even impacted our organization’s operations as we made the decision to temporarily shut down transit operations – both on light rail and regular route bus – due to safety concerns for our operators, riders, and individuals in the areas along the routes. We are assessing the situation and will reopen when we can ensure safe operations.
We’re also working with local partners and service agencies to find emergency shelter for the residents of the encampment along Hiawatha Avenue, near 28th Street. Our goal is to ensure their safety and the safety of the staff and outreach workers supporting the people in the encampment. We are not clearing the camp, but we are urgently looking to move residents to a safer place, protected from the impact of the situation in the neighborhoods nearby.
What we’re seeing in our neighborhoods, on social media, and in news coverage leaves us feeling sadness, anguish, anger, or all of these and more. Know that you are not alone. Governor Walz said yesterday, “To all those who are in pain, to those who are angry, to those who are afraid: I not only see you and hear you – I stand alongside you. We will get answers. We will seek justice. George Floyd didn’t deserve to die. But George Floyd does deserve justice.”
Lt. Governor Flanagan remarked, “During times of grief and anger, our instinct is to come together and hold one another.” Especially in these trying times, we need grace and support.
I want to thank you for your continued dedication in the face of this community tragedy, which comes on top of the COVID-19 pandemic that already has us in strange and uncertain times. I also want you to keep putting the inequities we know exist in our communities front and center in our work. The research, planning, support for housing, scientific evaluation and monitoring, and infrastructure we provide are critical to helping us dismantle systems we know perpetuate those inequities.
I’m proud of you and of the work we do every day.
If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I also encourage you to reach out to your colleagues and your manager for support – we’re all here for you. And remember counselors from Sand Creek, our employee assistance program, are always a phone call away for 24/7 confidential, in-the-moment support (call 1.888.243.5744 or visit sandcreekeap.com). Be kind to yourselves and one another, and create the space to have conversation and process your thoughts and emotions. Together we can find a way through this and toward a safer and more equitable future.
Charlie Zelle
Chair, Metropolitan Council
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