A Movement, Not a Moment
November 25 became the six month mark since the murder of George Floyd. As we reflect on the past six months, it is important for us, especially white folks, to consider how our allyship has potentially changed since this past summer. As the news shifts, people’s lives get busier, and social media goes back to what it once was, we must not forget the momentum we had in June. This fight for racial justice is a movement -- not a moment.
What has happened since?
Leaders in the city of Minneapolis have promised a slew of changes since the murder of George Floyd, but which ones have been kept and which ones have been forgotten? Here are a few changes that have been made so far:
Restriction of no-knock warrants
In the wake of Beonna Taylor’s fatal shooting by Louisville police this past March, many have been urging cities across the nation to ban the unethical “no knock” search warrant. Starting Monday, November 28, Minneapolis police officers will face restrictions on entering a person’s home unannounced. Police will now have to identify themselves as “police” and announce their intent as “search warrant” before entering any homes. Officers have also been instructed to periodically repeat those announcements once inside in case the occupants didn’t hear them.
2. Court-ordered changes
The city of Minneapolis, along with many others around the country, have banned chokeholds, neck restraints, and reporting of “unauthorized use of force” by fellow officers. Additionally, the use of crowd control weapons like rubber bullets, chemical agents, and flash bangs can only be approved by the police chief or their designee at the rank of deputy chief.
3. Mental health services
Minneapolis police will receive 10 counseling sessions under a new program that is launching in 2021. Additionally, some Minneapolis city council members are beginning to explore the idea of creating civilian mental health response teams in the coming months.
4. Police federation negotiations
Chief Medaria Arradondo withdrew from the police federation. The union's contract governs things like wages, benefits, and work rules. However, it also has conditions that make it difficult for many firings of police officers to happen.
Where do we go from here?
While there have been some changes made since the killing of George Floyd, few of them actively center and uplift the Black community. A lot of this has to do with the fact that the Minneapolis city council is very divided on this issue right now. While this divide will certainly continue throughout this movement, we can still focus and actively work on the necessary changes that need to happen in our individual lives. Here are some steps you can and should be taking in this fight for racial justice:
Continue to educate yourself
Many of us decided to make an effort of unlearning and relearning our nation’s history this past summer. Whether you joined a book club, listened to podcasts, or began by just simply watching some Netflix documentaries, it is important to continue these habits now. Even if you learn one new thing a week, that is a step in the right direction! I made a document of anti-racist resources in June if you are in need of some direction.
2. Open your wallet!
A great way to support this racial justice movement is to routinely donate money to grassroots organizations that are doing community organization work every single day. If you are looking for local organizations to support, please refer to the last page of the anti-racist resources document.
3. Uplift Black voices
It is so critical for us, as non-Black folks, to amplify Black voices throughout this entire movement. We must educate ourselves using the countless resources available to us rather than just rely on Black folks to educate us or carry us through this movement. We must listen with the utmost respect and compassion.
4. Support Black owned businesses
As the holidays approach, it is a great idea to look into buying gifts from some Black owned businesses! Not only does this support the Black community, but you can also find some really neat, unique products to gift to friends and family! Check out that anti-racist resources document for a whole list of Black owned shops and restaraunts in the Twin Cities.
5. Hold your elected officials accountable
Now that the election is over, becoming complacent is not an option. Now is the time to get to work! Keep the pressure on our elected officials to fight for change and center the Black community in their law-making decisions. Call, email, or send letters to your representatives a couple times a year and make sure to take part in public demonstrations and protests when and if you are able.
6. Utilize your social platforms to keep momentum
Over 14 million people posted a black square for #blackouttuesday in June. Were you one of them? How has your allyship changed since then? How often do you use your platform to uplift Black voices and share news that the media often leaves out? Don’t forget the influence and power we hold just by having social media accounts. We must use our platforms to keep the momentum going -- just like we did back in June.