Reflections and resources
April 28, 2021
In the past week, as we have had time to reflect on the outcome of the Derrick Chauvin trial, we recognize the court’s decision as simply one step towards accountability and know that much more work needs to be done.
According to INSIDER and data collected by Mapping Police Violence, there were just 18 days in 2020 in which the police did not kill somebody. In addition, despite making up nearly 30% of police killings, Black people only constitute 13% of the US population.
At Canal Alliance, we stand up as an ally in the face of injustice. We are determined to remain alert and to advocate for social justice, and we encourage everyone in our community to do so as well.
We agree with Sam Cobbs, CEO of Tipping Point Community, who states that “the systems that are perpetuating poverty are not broken; they were built this way. On purpose.”
These words are painfully true. As a community, we need to come together to advocate for more accessible education, health resources, housing, employment opportunities, and more.
Please use your voice, take action, educate others and support one another to engage in the critical work of dismantling oppressive systems and building new systems that support everyone in our community to thrive.
If you haven’t engaged in anti-racism work or community advocacy, below are a few recommended starting points.
The links below contain information on articles, books, podcasts, and other resources that can help you get started in learning more about race theory and engaged in anti-racist literature:
If you wish to purchase books and other resources on race-theory, please try to buy from Black-owned bookstores.
Here is a list of other organizations engaged in racial justice and reducing violence by the police:
NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund is an organization fighting for racial justice. Through litigation, advocacy, and public education, LDF seeks structural changes to expand democracy, eliminate disparities, and achieve racial justice.
Campaign Zero encourages policymakers to focus on solutions with the strongest evidence of effectiveness at reducing police violence.
George Floyd Global Memorial – The George Floyd Global Memorial is established to bring together members of George Floyd’s family and the local community to preserve these creative expressions of pain and hope of the people for the people.
Black Table Arts is a community-driven arts cooperative located in Minneapolis, Minnesota gathering black communities through the arts toward better black futures.
