It will fall mainly on the officials of Minnesota to ensure that the circumstances surrounding George Floyd’s death are investigated thoroughly and that justice is ultimately done. But, it falls on all of us, regardless of our race and station – including the majority of men and women in law enforcement who take pride in doing their tough job the right way, every day – to work together to create a “new normal” in which the legacy of bigotry and unequal treatment no longer infects our institutions or our hearts. Barack Obama 44th President of the United States
Today, June 4th, is a somber and solemn day, as we prepare for the Funeral Service of George Floyd, who was cruelly and viciously murdered by Minneapolis Police last week. Sadly, this senseless murder at the hands of those who are sworn to protect and serve is part of a much larger and insidious pattern of institutional and systemic racism in our society.
We all have much work ahead of us to break the 400 years of oppression African Americans, in particular, have experienced on this continent. This affects us all.
At Merrick Community Services, we grieve George Floyd’s death and recognize the magnitude and significance this moment represents for our Staff, Volunteers, and Supporters, and for those we are privileged to serve, who too often are also victims of the oppression of racism, bigotry, and unequal treatment, as well.
As we have for over 112 years on the East Side of Saint Paul, we continue to be committed to breaking the cycle of multi-generational and concentrated poverty in our community, which is directly linked to the attitudes and behavior and systems that led to the murder of George Floyd and those who came before him.
Out of respect to George Floyd and the community we serve, Merrick will be closing early today, to join in solidarity with friends and allies, to watch the Funeral Service this afternoon.
We will work to plot, plan, strategize, organize, and mobilize the necessary and swift change we so desperately need in our community. We look forward to you joining our efforts.