Action to honor George Floyd, demand justice and accountability

On Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 5:30 p.m., Twin Cities Coalition for Justice, community members, fellow activists, and organizers will gather at the Hennepin County Government Center at 300 S 5th St. to celebrate the life of George Floyd and honor the global movement for justice that his memory sparked. It will be a solemn remembrance of George Floyd and a powerful demand for accountability from those who've made promises but never delivered, and for the change of a white supremacist system that continues targeting Black, brown, and indigenous people.

"We begin by extending our deepest, unwavering condolences to the family of George Floyd. More than five years after his brutal murder at the hands of the Minneapolis Police Department, their loss remains a profound wound in this community. His life had immeasurable value, and we continue to stand in solidarity with his loved ones as they navigate a world without him," said organizers.

"However, empathy for this loss is inseparable from our anger at the city’s leadership for its failure to enact any substantive police reform. Mayor Jacob Frey and Police Chief Brian O’Hara have overseen a period of stagnation, not progress. The use-of-force policies that kill remain intact, and accountability is nonexistent. Instead of protecting its residents, the city has allowed more lives to be lost with impunity. We say the names of Allison Lussier, Mariah Samuels, and, while David Moturi was not killed, he suffered life threatening injuries that hospitalized him for five days. Members of our community, especially residents of color, were failed by the very systems meant to protect. Their families, like George Floyd’s, have been denied justice.

"This action is also a direct response to the rising tide of white supremacist hate poisoning our nation and our communities. We are witnessing an alarming surge in violent rhetoric from right-wing politicians and even threats of violence from the highest office in the country, aimed squarely at Black, brown and indigenous communities. This climate of hate is emboldened when our federal representatives chose this time to officially recognize a figure widely known as a bigoted and racist white-supremacist who used his power and platform to spread violence and oppression against marginalized people. 

"We reject this glorification of hate. We understand that we must fight back. The first step is to call out this hatred for what it is: White supremacy! The next is to organize our communities and build our own political power. This gathering is a testament to our strength, solidarity, and the unrelenting truth that when we fight, we win! We will not be intimidated. We will not be silenced. We will unite to overcome the forces of hate and create a city where everyone can live with dignity and peace."

TTCC4J has launched its second attempt at bringing a charter amendment to the ballot that would create a Civilian Police Accountability Commission and transfer all the Mayor's powers over the police to this commission. The goal is to secure enough signatures by May 1, 2026 to get on the 2026 ballot.