Statement in Response to Police-Involved Killing of George Floyd

We are anguished by the killing of George Floyd at the hands of the Minneapolis police. We acknowledge that our community is hurting on so many levels. It is an injustice so great that we are left wondering if, when, and how we will heal.

Strengthening community is central to our mission and we are committed to the health, happiness, and self-sufficiency of our neighbors. We have deliberately taken time to reflect, listen, and learn both as individuals and as part of the philanthropic community in the Twin Cities. We know we must use our voice to speak up about racial injustices and take actionable steps to make our city, state, and country a more equitable place to live. We don’t pretend to have the answers, but we do know that the solution is bigger than any single law or the efforts of any single entity. We also know that we have a responsibility to learn from our past and take bold actions in moving toward a more just world.

We urge our leaders to act swiftly and justly.

We condemn police brutality and demand a safer community for all people.

We commit to increasing our efforts to listen, learn, and support positive lasting change in our community.

We support all voices and efforts speaking out on social injustice and systemic racism.

We stand with our community.

“True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice.”  Martin Luther King, Jr.

Flowers, signs and balloons are left as a memorial to George Floyd near the spot where he died on May 25 while in custody of the Minneapolis police. The mural was a collaboration of local artists, including: Niko Alexander, Cadex Herrera, Greta McLain, Xena Goldman, and Pablo Helm Hernandez. Photo credit: munshots via Unsplash 2020.