John,
Cities all over America are on fire!
On Monday, Minneapolis police officers murdered George Floyd in broad daylight on camera, but America is burning because of more than this single gruesome murder.
Today marks the 99th anniversary of the “Tulsa Race Massacre.”
The Greenwood District in Tulsa Oklahoma at that time was the wealthiest black community in the United States. On May 31st, 1921, mobs of white people attacked black residents and businesses in an attack, carried out on the ground and from private aircraft, that destroyed more than 35 square blocks and left 10,000 Black Americans instantly homeless and hundreds dead.
This history is often not taught in schools, yet Black Americans will never forget, because the assaults on our people and our communities have never stopped.
Like in Tulsa, some of the violence and destruction happening across America this week is perpetrated by white supremacists. NPR reports “far-right activists and fringe libertarian groups are seizing on the instability to provoke violence and destruction” and specifically identifies the violent right-wing hate groups Boogaloo Bois and Three Percenters.
But let’s be clear, some of the destruction is being caused by real people in our communities who feel the pain and danger of living under white supremacy. And we, as people who care about people, care about equity and equality, care about justice and accountability, are obligated to stand with them.
The aftermath -- protests, vigils, and even rioting -- in response to the killings of unarmed Black people is a rebuke that won’t be stopped by in-action because for far too many in our country, it’s the only response left in a world that doesn’t think Black lives matter as much as white lives, property, or even keeping traffic flowing on the freeway.
We should be proud of our fellow Americans taking action and we should never mention buildings as a reason not to stand in solidarity with the protesters nationwide that are responding to the terrorism that has plagued Black communities since they arrived in this country.
One important step forward is police accountability. Yes, all 4 officers were fired and yes, one of the officers has finally been arrested on charges of 3rd degree murder, but NO, THAT’S NOT GOOD ENOUGH.
Add your name and join members of Democracy for America and the Black Male Voter Project today in calling for the immediate arrest, charging, and prosecution of ALL 4 Minneapolis police officers who killed George Floyd >>
These officers murdered George Floyd. His family deserves justice. And we deserve a system of justice that shows no one is above the law.
Thank you for your solidarity and for raising your voice today.
— Mondale
Mondale Robinson
Political Director, Democracy for America
Founder, Black Male Voter Project
