Equity Resources
Equity Resources
At the Science Museum of Minnesota, we thoughtfully, humbly acknowledge the anniversary of George Floyd’s murder on May 25.
George Floyd’s life matters. Daunte Wright’s life matters. Black lives matter. We recognize that, in order to live out our organizational equity value, we each have work to do to reject oppressive norms and practice authentic inclusion to achieve collective liberation. As a community, we will be suspending museum work on May 25, 2021, to allow our staff time to reflect, join in neighborhood remembrances, or take action.
Here are some resources to support you to learn, process and/or take action on racial justice issues, specifically those related to anti-Blackness and our carceral system, in our communities.
Learn
Access programming to inform, connect, and support our communities one year after the murder of George Floyd from Twin Cities Public Television
Learn about the following organizations that expand the narrative on public safety in our communities:
Reclaim the Block - Reclaim the Block began in 2018 and organizes Minneapolis community and city council members to move money from the police department into other areas of the city’s budget that truly promote community health and safety
Root & Restore FB Group - A Saint Paul coalition dedicated to community-based solutions to public safety. We believe in rooted and restorative practices over failed policing models
MPD 150 - a people’s project evaluating policing (in Minneapolis) MPD 150 report
We are all criminals - a non-profit organization dedicated to challenging society’s perceptions of what it means to be “criminal”
Read from the 1619 Project - essay about the race and our criminal justice system by Bryan Stevenson
Purchase and read some books curated by Black Garnet Books - a local Black, woman-owned bookstore
Process-Reflect
YWCA Morning of Reflection
“Join YWCA St. Paul as we host a Morning of Reflection in memory of George Floyd. We invite you to begin your morning with us on what we know will be a difficult and emotional day. The event will feature inspirational words, quiet reflection and music as we gather with our community in hope and healing.”
May 25, Rise & Remember George Floyd Global Memorial Celebration
"An in-person celebration at 38th and Chicago in Minneapolis, MN on May 25, 2021 to commemorate the 1st Anniversary of the death of George Floyd and the community of dedicated caretakers that emerged in the wake of the tragedy."
Join or support The Circle of Peace Movement
“The Circle of Peace Movement is a pathway to racial healing and peaceful communities. It works by creating a safe space where people come together on a regular basis to share a meal and engage in respectful conversation. Through circle, we come to understand and care for one another, and find hope and strength to transform our communities.” This work was developed by Russ Balenger who has worked closely with programming related to our RACE: Are We So Different? Exhibit since 2015.
Act
May 21 Justice for George: Messages from the People
A free outdoor public art exhibit presented by Save The Boards, Memorialize the Movement and the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery (MAAHMG) will be held May 21, 22 and 23, 2021 in Phelps Park in Minneapolis. This is a community event to remember and reflect on the emotions expressed during the uprising through these murals that reflect our collective pain, resilience and continued fight for racial and social justice.
May 23-25 - George Floyd Memorial Foundation rally, virtual days of action, and celebration of life
"In remembrance of one year since the murder of George Floyd, we call on everyone to help us make an impact. From using your social media platforms to call for justice, to contacting local officials, to supporting critical legislation, we need your help to create unity, hope and progress."
Get involved with Showing Up for Racial Justice MN
Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ-MN) is a national network of groups and individuals organizing white people for racial justice. White people have been told for years by Black, Indigenous, and people of color activists that we need to educate and organize our own people. So that's what we try to do at SURJ-MN.
Care for Yourself
Take action to care for yourself by accessing the resources of the following:
MN Mental Health Providers of Color Database, created by Larry Yang
Support local Black, Indigenous, and People of Color-Owned Businesses
You can find and support local Black, Indigenous, and people of color-owned businesses using this spreadsheet resource created by members of LOCUS. This local organization’s mission is to provide space, connection, and opportunities for authentic community building, identity-driven leadership, and resource sharing – by and for people of color and indigenous peoples.