AFSC responds to violence against Black Lives Matter in Minneapolis

On Nov. 23, 2015, five people demanding justice as a part of the anti-racist Black Lives Matter movement were shot in Minneapolis, Minnesota. We do not yet know who fired the shots. But we do know about the context. The shots were fired in a venue where people of color and their allies were standing up against the violence of white supremacy. Black Lives Matter and related anti-racist work have been effectively changing the national narrative around policing and violence against people of color.

We hope that this is a moment for reflection and solidarity, a time when more people can join together against white supremacism and violence and for a welcoming, respectful, humane society. Together, we can upend the narratives that depict people of color as criminals and less worthy of respect and rights.

There is another context to these events, as well. As this horrific crime occurred, news headlines across the U.S. repeated claims by major political figures that depict Syrian refugees fleeing violence as “terrorist” threats to our safety and well-being. This is another narrative that blinds us to the human costs of our actions. We call on political leaders to decry violence against anti-racist demonstrators and to join in practical, serious efforts to end discrimination, mass incarceration, and police militarization.

The American Friends Service Committee, a Quaker organization that works with people from all backgrounds to build lasting peace with justice, stands with those who are protesting for rights and an end to discrimination and white supremacist violence. Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims of this violence and their loved ones and friends.

Through our Twin Cities program, AFSC has been working on developing young leaders who make social change possible in their communities. Our work has focused on understanding and ending racism and discrimination in the area. That work always seems challenging and vital, never so much as in days like today. We stand in solidarity with those working for justice and equality.

The violence of white supremacy is a real threat to our society. Tragedies like the one in Minnesota should be a moment for community and political leaders to stand together against racism and for change.

To help in that effort in a small part, AFSC will continue to engage with communities of color in the Twin Cities to build alliances for justice, and we will share resources and perspectives on ending racism and white supremacy for reflection.