|
Dear Neighbors,
This past weekend, in the midst of PRIDE celebrations, we as
a city were devastated by the news of the officer involved shooting that led to
the death of Thurman Blevins in North Minneapolis. This is an all too familiar
pain that carries too much history and generational trauma throughout this
city. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and the entire North side of
the city, but I want to make clear that those are not enough. Thoughts and
prayers are not enough when we need tangible change in policies and practices
within the Minneapolis Police Department.
That is why I want to reaffirm the commitments I made not
even one year ago after the tragic killing of Justine Ruszczyk Damond. I am
committed to using my position as a platform for police reform, accountability
and oversight. I am committed to utilizing our cities Internal Audit department
as a means to ensure our officers are following their own policies and
recommending improvements. I am committed to advocating for the funding of
intervention and prevention programs that keep Minneapolitans out of prison for
petty crimes. I am committed to officer wellness, and also continued advocacy
for police culture reform, like creating an environment where mental health is
considered a priority. These are just some of the commitments that motivate me
as I process these events.
It is hard to hear news like this and not have the pain of
the loss of Justine, not even one year ago, come flooding back. It is even
harder to fathom that same pain magnified by a history of racial tensions and
oppression that are rooted in North Minneapolis. During times like this we as a
city, more than ever, need to stand together in solidarity as ONE Minneapolis.
|
