Resources for the Minneapolis Protests
Hello all, in the wake of the murder of George Floyd by four Minneapolis cops, the people have risen up to demand justice, accountability, and the abolition of MPD. George Floyd’s murder is the latest in a long line of Twin Cities police brutality. The authorities of Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the surrounding metro area have inflicted state terror on black folk for decades, and they have continued to do so by escalating confrontations over the past two days with the use of tear gas and rubber bullets. Those on the frontlines need help and support.
If you are able, please donate to the following local groups and funds, who have continually put in the work to support black communities, and have stepped up during this time of crisis:
GoFundMe for George Floyd:
In the wake of George’s murder, several fraudulent GoFundMe links were circulating around. This one was set up by George’s brother, Philonise Floyd, and was verified by the Floyd’s attorney, Benjamin Crump. Please consider donating to the Floyd family in the time of their tragedy: gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd
Minnesota Freedom Fund:
Minnesota Freedom Fund (@MNFreedomFund) is an organization dedicated to paying direct cash bail and immigrant bonds. They are currently requesting funds for bail support for protesters arrested in the last couple of days. Please consider donating to them here: minnesotafreedomfund.org/donate
Black Visions Collective:
Black Visions Collective (@BlackVisionsMN) is a local black-led activist group who works to empower and support black communities, centering LGBT+ organizing work. Please consider donating to them here: https://secure.everyaction.com/4omQDAR0oUiUagTu0EG-Ig2
Reclaim the Block:
Reclaim the Block (@reclaimtheblock) is a coalition that is working to push the City of Minneapolis to divest from policing and invest in long-term, community-based alternatives. Please consider donating to them here: https://secure.everyaction.com/zae4prEeKESHBy0MKXTIcQ2?fbclid=IwAR1mozFqHICrjSN7tPDAkjJAwnxdkw8VbVVI6xygTPscsvzC-lQfhEaey0U
Unicorn Riot:
Unicorn Riot (@UR_Ninja) is an independent media service that has provided livestream coverage of the Minneapolis protests, as well as providing extensive coverage of prior state terror incidents and leftist protests. Please consider donating to them here: https://unicornriot.ninja/donate/
Northstar Health Collective:
Northstar Health Collective is a community collective that has been providing healthcare resources, medical supplies, and street medic care during the Minneapolis protests. Please consider donating to them here: https://www.northstarhealthcollective.org/donate
MPD150:
MPD150 (@MPD_150) is a community initiative that traces the history of the Minneapolis Police Department and is building towards a police-free future for Minneapolis. MPD150 has said that they appreciate donations, but they have the resources they need to do their current work, but please read/listen to and share their 150-year performance review of the Minneapolis Police Department here: https://www.mpd150.com/report/overview/
MPD150 is working on an expanded version of this report, which I can share when it’s published.
For anyone in the Twin Cities area, there is an immediate need for supplies for protesters, including non-perishable food (preferable high in protein), backpacks, sanitizer, gloves, and non-paper masks. If you are able, please bring these supplies and the supplies listed in the link below to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church at 2730 E 31st St. For anyone protesting, please stay safe, and please refer to the guide provided by Women for Political Change here: https://twitter.com/MNWFPC/status/1266062851262873601
If anyone would like to donate to the folks making supply runs for the protests, please message me directly.
There are several resources online for contacting Minnesota public officials, but I have listed them here:
Jacob Frey, Mayor of Minneapolis:
Office Number: 612-673-2100
Personal Number: 612-968-4443
Email: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/d189a2276e234cacb9f02db60dac0569
Mike Freeman, Hennepin County District Attorney
Phone Number: 612-348-5550
Email: [email protected]
Medaria Arradondo, Minneapolis Chief of Police
Phone Number: 612-673-2735
MPD Department of Internal Affairs
Phone Number: 612-673-3074
Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights
Phone Number: 612-673-3012
Tim Walz, Governor of Minnesota
Phone Number: 612-201-3400
Finally, I wanted to make a couple notes. Directly addressing fellow non-black POC, the work of resisting police brutality and anti-black state terror does not start and end in times of crisis. We must continually support the work of local organizations who are fighting for the rights and defense of black, indigenous, Latinx, LGBT+, and disabled communities, and are fighting for liberation from the police. This work must also be done in our own communities. As a South Asian, I know that anti-blackness is rampant in my community. It is our responsibility to put in the work to fight anti-blackness, and teach our community members about the necessity for liberation from institutionalized state terror and the carceral system.
I stand with the people of Minneapolis as they rise up to resist state terror.
