This week, we join with the rest of the world in mourning the murder of George Floyd as he is laid to rest. George’s death does not stand in isolation. His death – and the deaths of so many more – put the reality of systemic racism and oppression that permeates our society on display.
George’s life mattered. Black lives matter.
The Minnesota Children’s Alliance works with many of these institutions and systems and therefore we have a responsibility to make change. Our work is to help kids and families dealing with the trauma of child abuse feel safe and heard. We believe their safety must include an examination of and challenges to systemic racism. We also know that historical trauma and systemic racism impact the healing process and we commit to disrupting systems that inhibit children from healing.
We commit to continue the work of challenging ourselves, Minnesota Children’s Alliance, by looking inward and identifying the changes we need to make as an organization to be more equitable. The Children’s Advocacy Center movement must focus on community solutions and be accountable to Black people, Indigenous people, and people of color specifically.
Our kids deserve to live in a world not only free of abuse, but also free of oppression and racism. As we work toward that goal, we ask all those who seek justice to act. Parents, caregivers and teachers: we have included resources to talk with kids about racism and how to be an anti-racist and ally.
We’ve also included a link to organizations you can support that have been doing this work for a long time as well as a map of current supply distribution sites.
Taking Action
- Talk with kids about racism and working towards anti-racism from the Center for Racial Justice in Education
- Support local communities in the Twin Cities through financial contributions with this list maintained by Reclaim the Block
- Contribute to mutual aid distribution sites
Portrait of George Floyd created by @AndresitoGuzman.