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Dear colleagues,
Last summer, the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis sparked worldwide outrage and a demand for justice. Yesterday, all eyes were once again on our region as the trial of Derek Chauvin came to a close and he was convicted of murder. This last year has been incredibly heavy and traumatic for many of us, and we are feeling a sense of relief today.
But we also know this deep breath we are taking is a moment for reflection and an opportunity to renew the fight for equity and racial justice. This verdict does not mean the work is done. And the recent killing of Daunte Wright is yet another reminder of all the work there is to do. And if we don’t take the time and space to learn from these events and carry them with us as we march ahead, we are doomed to repeat them.
As many have remarked since the verdict was announced, this was accountability for a tragedy, not justice. In Governor Walz’s statement last night, he reminds us, “True justice for George only comes through real, systemic change to prevent this from happening again.”
The Governor points out that to make systemic change, “We must tackle racial inequities in every corner of society – from health to home ownership to education.”
That is where the Met Council has a unique role to play in building a better, more equitable region. Through our regional policy-making, planning, and essential services, we have the capacity to advance equity and the potential to positively impact Minnesotans for generations to come. Connecting families and individuals with affordable and stable housing, providing safe and reliable public transit, supporting small businesses, creating access to green spaces and recreation, training and empowering individuals for economic success, engaging our communities in our decision-making, and in many more ways – we are working to provide all residents access to opportunities for success, prosperity, and quality of life.
In my column yesterday in The Wire, I shared with you all the commitment I signed last week to participate in the Regional Anti-Racist and Economic Justice Trust, as part of our ongoing partnership with the Center for Economic Inclusion. This trust will measure progress, hold us accountable, and make us move from promise to action. This partnership and the projects we’ve proposed are an important step, but we know there is so much more work to do to become an anti-racist organization.
I am humbled by the responsibility we have as an organization to support our neighbors, and I hope you take pride in the work we do together. But to make lasting change, we must acknowledge the large disparities that exist in the Twin Cities and our state, and we must continue to uncover and confront all the areas, big and small, where we can help advance equity in the region. Never underestimate the difference you make in the communities we serve.
Thank you for your efforts and your resilience during these difficult times. We move forward together – with hope, and with resolve to create a better future for all.
Sincerely,
Charlie
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