President Trump’s words have consequences. The aftermath of George Floyd’s murder included white supremacist terrorism in the Black neighborhoods in Minneapolis.
When President Trump in the first Presidential Debate told the Proud Boys to, “Stand back and stand by,” I looked wide-eyed at my husband in fear. After the murder of George Floyd, we saw uprisings of righteous anger in South Minneapolis near the location of Mr. Floyd’s death. On the other side of town in North Minneapolis, however, there were no protests and uprisings. Instead, we faced white supremacists coming into our city terrorizing the Black community of Minneapolis with their high-speed, lawless caravans of vehicles without license plates, toting guns, and brandishing MAGA hats. They burned down several Black-owned businesses. Here in North Minneapolis, President Trump’s call to action for an extremist white supremacist group and ongoing inability to condemn white supremacy has real-life consequences.
While the 3rd Precinct burned in South Minneapolis, police officers at the other precincts across the city bunkered down, including ours in North Minneapolis. We were left to fend for ourselves. Even when the National Guard arrived -- their efforts were focused near the 3rd Precinct. This meant we had to protect our community ourselves.
I worked with my husband, Lane, to organize over 100 fellow Northsiders to protect our businesses and critical infrastructure from the white supremacist terrorism. Folks stayed up all night patrolling assigned areas with fire extinguishers, whistles, and backup volunteers on speed dial. I drove from location to location all night checking in with volunteers, and what I saw was beautiful. People were building trust and hope at unprecedented rates, and taking personal responsibility for the well-being of their neighbors. This protection was done without guns and with a nonviolent approach.
We showed the community that we can come together and do public safety differently than only relying on the police to save us. It opened many eyes to what was possible. Nevertheless, the experience left our community traumatized and reeling.
President Trump’s words “stand back and stand by” have real-life consequences in Black communities across the country. Support Black leadership to help us as we build new systems of public safety while also fighting back against the harm the President is causing communities like ours. I’m committed to doing everything I can to protect our community as the Ward 4 Councilmember, and as a neighbor. Consider donating to my re-election campaign here.