July 6, 2020 to July 10, 2020
This weekend, many celebrated the Fourth of July, a holiday meant to commemorate U.S. independence. At the same time, we are reckoning with the historical legacies of oppression in this country. Recognizing this nation’s founding also means remembering its roots in stolen Indigenous land, the enslavement of African people, and war and exploitation. And celebrations of freedom can feel painfully disconnected from the realities of communities navigating COVID-19 and the ongoing civil unrest of community.
Yet this week also saw other conversations about freedom, as the Minneapolis charter commission reviews a proposed amendment to remove the police department from the city charter. Madison, WI became the latest school district to end police presence thanks to the organizing of Black and Brown youth. And communities in California successfully fought for Chanthon Bun, who was recently granted parole and will be released into community care instead of being transferred into ICE detention. Across the country, communities are grappling with what it will take for all of us to be free, the organizing we need to get there, and the histories we must face to do so.
Next week, CAAL will host the second in a series on the State of Asian Minnesotans, which will trace the history of Asian immigration to Minnesota, lift up community experiences and highlight current policies and community activism. The series is a reminder that our histories shape who and where we are today—including our present realities as Asian Americans and the actions we must take in solidarity with the movement for Black lives and all those facing oppression. Let’s use this holiday to remember that our fights for freedom are connected and celebrate by renewing our commitment to liberation for all.
In community,
Kara Carmosino
Social Justice Leadership Senior Manager
State of Asian Minnesotans: Immigration and Resistance
Join us for the second State of Asian Minnesotans: Immigration and Resistance on Monday, July 13 from 3:00PM to 5:00PM. In this session community leaders and experts will come together to discuss the history of Asian immigration to Minnesota. Learn more and register here.
Collected Resources on Addressing Anti-Black Racism
We’ve put together a list of resources on addressing anti-Black racism for non-Black individuals and organizations. There are how-to’s, art, curriculum, collected readings/articles, resources on police alternatives, general anti-racist & Black liberation resources for non-Black people.
Spark Leadership Fund
BIPOC leaders throughout Minnesota can apply for micro-funds of $500, $750, or $1,000 to carry out projects that address an community urgent need at this time. Applications are reviewed weekly. To apply, please visit our website here.
A Breath for George; songs, poems, interviews, reflections
A Breath for George was created by New Dawn Theatre and Minnesota artists as a platform to: honor Mr. Floyd’s life; speak to this moment and moments past openly and honestly; and to share avenues which promote hope and positive changes for the future. A Breath for George gives voice to the ways Black citizens & residents historically have been negatively affected emotionally, physically and financially by systemic racism and nationwide police violence. Learn more about their free showings here.
Report Discrimination and Bias
If you experience or witness discrimination based on race, where you come from, your immigration status, or anything else, call Minnesota’s Discrimination Helpline at 1-833-454-0148 or submit this online form. The helpline is staffed by investigators from the Minnesota Department of Human Rights. Translation/interpretation services are available.