“We will soon be able to block demand number 3 of the“ justice resolution ”! “, exults Marcia Howard, a 47-year-old African-American woman, who since May 25, 2020 has become one of the activists of the “38e Street and Chicago Avenue ”in Minneapolis, where George Floyd died that day, suffocated by police officer Derek Chauvin, who has just been convicted.
Earlier on Wednesday, April 21, the US Department of Justice announced it was opening an investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department to determine whether they systematically used excessive force. This corresponds to the third point in a list of 24 requests made by neighborhood activists to the authorities.
Behind Marcia, the resolution in question: three calligraphy panels that list the different demands – requests for investigations of police officers, layoffs of judicial personnel, proposals for police reforms. “We are negotiating with the city, county, state and federal government, Marcia announces with a determined look. As long as the 24 requests are not obtained, we will not return the streets! “
The crossroads, renamed “place George-Perry-Floyd-Jr. », Is thus much more than a simple memorial. There is still a bargaining chip, even after the verdict of the city court. The activists want to address the dysfunctions they have identified in Minneapolis’ justice and public safety system, which make it easier for people of color to be killed during police checks.
Precautionary advice
Her commitment became obvious to Marcia “When the National Guards started shooting at the crowd demonstrating under [ses] Windows “ in 2020. She took a sabbatical from national education to help manage the crossroads, and the community. Darnella Frazier, the teenager who posted the viral video of George Floyd’s last moments on social media, was one of his students. A yellow beanie holding her dreads, Marcia has a camera strapped to her breastbone “To protect themselves from the police who come to do their checks”.
Precautionary advice, Esther, Christine and Patty do not cease to lavish it on their grandchildren. These three grandmothers, who brought their granddaughter to pay homage to George Floyd on Wednesday, all represent mixed families. “They tell me to obey if I ever get arrested because the police can be uncooperative”, explains Nessa from the top of her 11 years. “I am very worried about my two black grandsons”, says African-American Patty. “All these children need to differentiate the situations between those where justice is exercised and those where it is not”, adds the White, Christine.
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