We join our Twin Cities neighbors in mourning George Floyd. We share the outrage at the injustice and inhumanity of his killing at the hands of police. We recognize the pain in the African American community, which endures injustice and inhumanity each and every day.
George Floyd’s life matters.
George Floyd’s death is a symptom of the persistent institutional and systemic racism embedded in our way of life in Minnesota.
While our state is a comfortable home for many, we know Minnesotans of color, especially Black Minnesotans, rarely enjoy the comforts and safety of this place. We’re one of the most racially segregated states in the country and we have some of the worst racial disparities—in education, homeownership, income, health.
These disparities didn’t happen by accident; racist policies and practices created them. And we will never experience a Minnesota that is a safe home for all if we don’t actively uproot our racism and urgently work to close our racial divides.
At Twin Cities Habitat, we believe closing our community’s racial homeownership gap is a critical component of building a Minnesota where everyone can thrive. We have a lot of work to do to see that vision come to life.
Sadness, grief, and anger are all appropriate emotions. But resolve must be our motivator. Resolve to continue our fight for justice. Resolve to uproot historic, systemic, and institutional racism. Resolve to further equity for all.
We join advocates and neighbors in demanding justice for George Floyd.
Chris Coleman and Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity