We demand justice for Daunte Wright
We are once again heartbroken and outraged at the relentless police violence that continues to occur against our Black communities in the Twin Cities. We are horrified by the murder of 20-year-old Daunte Wright, and we stand with his family and loved ones in their demand for empathy and justice.
Our Black Minnesotan community continues to experience grief from the previous killings of Philando Castile, George Floyd, Dolal Idd, Jamar Clark, and many others. Since 2000, the lives of 55 Black men have been taken by Minnesota police (Star Tribune, April 13, 2021). The system of policing in this country was established to recapture enslaved Black and African people, to protect wealthy white Americans, and to uphold white supremacy. Since its inception, the police have disproportionately targeted, traumatized, terrorized, victimized, harmed, arrested, and killed Black Americans. The police must be held accountable. All entities that enable this must also be held accountable.
We are faced with this tragedy in the third week of the Derek Chauvin trial and in the middle of our collective grief over the shootings in Atlanta that targeted Asian women. Today and every day, we must fight for the safety and freedom of our Black community. We cannot liberate ourselves and combat the hate and violence occurring against our own community unless we stand together in solidarity for #BlackLivesMatter. We call on our fellow Asian Americans to join us in this fight. We ask our Asian American community to listen to Black leaders and community members.
Oftentimes we feel at loss for words or actions, but there are many ways to show your support and care. It can take the form of a phone call to a friend, donating supplies to communities in need, dropping off food for loved ones experiencing trauma and exhaustion, calling on government officials, showing up to community events and rallies, and holding space and conversation as a way to process and grieve.
How can you support Daunte Wright’s family and Brooklyn Center? Follow our stories for urgent needs of the family and community. Below are accounts to follow for up-to-date actions and events.
Accepting supplies to support Daunte Wright’s girlfriend and their son. Message @HolisticHeaux on Facebook or Instagram to receive the drop-off address. Items sought include diapers (size 4), clothes (18-24 months), shoes (size 6), groceries, gift cards.
Accepting water, food, and other necessities. Brooklyn Center High School, 6500 N. Humboldt Avenue, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430.
Accepting supplies to support protesters. Scoreboard Pizza, 6816 N. Humboldt Avenue, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430. Items sought include: face masks, eye protection/goggles, water, hand sanitizers, pop-up tents.
Learn more:
MPD150 for the history of police systems and possible futures without police systems.
@mnteenactivists on IG for updates on donations, actions, and events.
Unicorn Riot for on-the-ground coverage.