Dear John:
Our members in Minneapolis are fighting to defund the police department that killed George Floyd. We want to replace that department with a new system of public safety that protects Black lives instead of destroying them. To do that, we have to win a vote coming up at the Minneapolis City Council on Friday. It’s looking like the vote will be close, and we need your help.
Here’s the situation: The Minneapolis Charter requires that the city keep a minimum police force of at least 730 cops. We can’t defund the police unless we repeal this provision in the city charter. This Friday, the City Council is taking a major vote to put a charter amendment on the November ballot. If they vote yes, the people of Minneapolis will have the opportunity to vote on winding down the MPD and building a new system for public safety in the city.
Here’s what we’re asking you to do:
The protests around the country have opened up incredible space for our movement to act to change systems. This is one very concrete system we can change through action this week to make Black Lives Matter.
Please join our phone banks this week. We need you.
In solidarity,
Ryan Greenwood
People’s Action
Minneapolis, Minnesota
