Earlier this week, a Minneapolis jury found Derek Chauvin—a white police officer—guilty of the murder of George Floyd, a Black man whose killing sparked condemnation and protests across the country.
In Minnesota, AFSC’s Twin Cities Healing Justice Program works with organizations, individuals, and communities to hold space for young people to express themselves and take action. Program Director Shanene Herbert reminds us: “No matter the outcome of the trial, young people of color are living every day with the ongoing trauma of police violence. … Instead of this constant dehumanization, we need resources to help us heal and rebuild the beloved community we all deserve.” Read AFSC’s full statement.
Here are this week's picks to inform and support your activism:
Tell President Biden: Reopen the U.S. border to asylum seekers: Over a year ago, the Trump administration closed the southern border to asylum seekers, deporting many back to dangerous conditions—against the advice of public health experts. Biden must reverse this draconian policy, stop these deportations, and protect the health and human rights of all who seek refuge.
Helping refugees heal from trauma: In Dadaab refugee camps, AFSC and partners provide counseling and other vital services to refugees and asylum seekers from Somalia and other African countries, writes AFSC’s Zaina Kisongoa.
New bill would block U.S. from funding Israel’s abuse of Palestinian children: The bill, HR 2590, sends a message to the Biden administration “that members of Congress continue to show concern for Palestinian rights and want to establish measures of accountability for U.S. aid to Israel,” says AFSC’s Jennifer Bing. (Electronic Intifada)
Why we need a pathway to citizenship for all immigrants: As U.S. immigration policy continues to threaten the lives and livelihoods of millions in the U.S., we need legislation that honors immigrants as members of our community, writes AFSC’s Peniel Ibe.
What we want to hear in Biden's address to Congress: The address, scheduled for April 28, is an opportunity for the president to talk openly about confronting racism, militarism, and economic injustice—and moving the country toward a future where all people have the resources they need to thrive.
Marking AFSC’s 104th anniversary: On April 30, 1917, a group of young Quakers founded AFSC to give young conscientious objectors ways to serve their country during World War I without joining the military or taking lives. Instead many drove ambulances, ministered to the wounded, and helped rebuild war-ravaged communities. Read more about AFSC’s history.
