Hey John, 

We’ve sent you emails in back-to-back weeks asking that you demand justice for young Black Americans murdered at the hands of police and so-called vigilantes. I reach out to you today—filled with anger and sadness—to ask for your help again.

On Monday, May 25, George Floyd was killed in the streets of Minneapolis while handcuffed and pinned under the knee of a Minneapolis police officer.

The officer kept his knee on Floyd’s neck for over five minutes, despite his numerous pleas for help:

“My neck hurts.”

“My stomach hurts.”

“I can’t breathe.”

The lack of concern from the officers for George Floyd’s life is staggering.

We know this incident is part of a larger and long-standing pattern of violence against Black children and adults in America, and it is a reminder that we must confront the systemic racism embedded in the criminal legal system, not just the actions of individual actors. 

As young people, who lead with our values, we must seek to transform the criminal legal system, not simply tinker around the edges. If we don’t, the promise of equal justice in America will never be realized.

If we don’t, the promise of equal justice in America will never be realized.

The four officers involved have been fired from their posts at MPD, but they have not yet been arrested or charged with Floyd’s murder.

That’s why we’re joining George Floyd’s family and local organizers in demanding the officers’ arrest, and calling on Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman to prosecute all of the officers involved in his murder.

Take action for George today.

Thanks for all you do,

Brent J. Cohen
Executive Director
Generation Progress