For Immediate Release: November 20, 2015
Contact: Greta Bergstrom, 651.336.6722, greta@takeactionminnesota.org
TakeAction Minnesota Statement on the Shooting Death of Jamar Clark and the Ongoing Demonstrations Led By Black Lives Matter
St. Paul, MN – The following statement was released by the Board of Directors of TakeAction Minnesota regarding the shooting death of Jamar Clark and the ongoing protests in north Minneapolis:
“TakeAction Minnesota mourns the tragic death of Jamar Clark. We feel sadness, anger and outrage that a young man has been taken from our community.
“Our members, leaders and staff fully support and have been present with Black Lives Matter Minneapolis in their peaceful protests at the 4th Police Precinct in the past several days. What we have seen, and who we have followed, are inspiring young leaders who have organized thousands of people from all walks of life to make a fierce and unequivocal call for truth, justice, love and transformation.
“We are shocked and disturbed by the acts of violence and provocation by the Minneapolis police toward nonviolent protesters. Many people have been physically hurt by Minneapolis police, including staff and members of TakeAction Minnesota. What we see is a deeply troubling picture of police conduct in Minneapolis. This tragedy has laid bare the deep racial divides in our city, and profound distrust of the police by many Minneapolis residents.
“Mayor Betsy Hodges’ call for a federal investigation into the death of Jamar Clark is an important first step. But, this is a pivotal moment in the history of Minneapolis and our commitment to racial equity compels us to expect more of the leadership of Mayor Hodges.
“We call on Mayor Hodges to be present in our community and at the 4th Precinct and take personal responsibility to build the trust the people of Minneapolis so desperately need to have in her as an elected leader and in city government. We ask that Mayor Hodges restrain and deescalate the Minneapolis Police Department and ensure that people can continue to protest and make their voices heard without fear for their personal safety. We ask that Mayor Hodges continue to be in dialogue with Black Lives Matter Minneapolis and work toward resolution of this situation and the systemic inequities in Minneapolis.
“We deeply appreciate the courage and resilience of everyone who have shown up to protest. TakeAction Minnesota will continue to remain present with them until justice is served.”
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TakeAction Minnesota is a statewide people’s network of individual and organizational members working together to motivate people to act publicly in order to advance economic and racial equity in our state. The organization has offices in St. Paul, Duluth and Grand Rapids.
