8 minutes and 46 seconds
Natasha Mara Canapi Victa, Program Associate, she/her/hers
A couple Sundays ago, I visited the memorial site at East 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, where there was a small candlelight vigil in memory of George Floyd. Community organizers instructed us to kneel in silence for 8 minutes and 46 seconds. Overwhelmed, I began reflecting on 2020 so far and what is next.
2 minutes have passed. We have 6 minutes and 46 seconds to go.
The sun was setting and the sky was getting darker. The slow glow from candles and the bright glare of phone flashlights brightened the faces of community members, sitting and kneeling, holding their fists up with face masks on. Around us lay flowers, hand-written signs, and statues, memorializing countless Black folx killed by police. For the first time in a long time, I didn’t feel alone in demanding justice in how society treats BIPOC folks. And while I am relieved that more people are beginning to understand, it’s also painful because it took countless deaths to get us here.
6 Minutes have passed. 2 minutes and 46 seconds to go.
Usually 8 minutes is a short amount of time, but it felt so slow. 2020 has felt like a rollercoaster and for me it’s been a reminder about why I chose to work in social justice and advocacy. In February, the deportation threats against the Southeast Asian community reminded me that Asian American immigrants’ existence and their contributions to American society is highly undervalued. In March, the pandemic reminded me that the government values money over the health of its people. In June, the nationwide uprising that started in my city reminded me how far we have to go until all Black lives truly matter.
“It’s been 8 minutes and 46 seconds.” Everyone looks around, takes one final breath together, and starts to stand up.
The COVID-19 pandemic and the Minneapolis uprising have shed light on systemic racism that have always existed in the Twin Cities and across the country. Creating community-based systemic change will take time and require everyone to be involved in anti-racism work, such as protesting, signing petitions, lobbying, volunteering, having uncomfortable conversations, and even donating money. Whatever your capacity is, I encourage you to stay involved.