Amir Locke lost his life at the hands of the Minneapolis Police Department at approximately 7 a.m. on February 2. He was a young man who at just 22 years old had plans to start a music business. We mourn the loss of another Black man killed by a police officer in our state. Our sympathy goes out to Mr. Locke’s family, friends, and community.
It is Black History Month, a month when we are encouraged to reflect and recognize the triumphs, successes, and contributions of African Americans in the United States. It is not lost on us that some of our brothers and sisters are not here to celebrate because they were killed by police. African Americans have been fighting for equal rights and treatment under the law for decades, yet here we are in 2022 still being killed for being Black. So, while Black History month represents how far we’ve come as a society, Amir Locke is another reminder and reality check on how far we have yet to go in this state.
It can be hard to find joy as our community continues to struggle for equity and inclusion in the United States. It is an especially traumatizing and painful time for Minnesota’s residents, particularly those of African heritage. The Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage is here to support, champion, and create lasting systemic change. We push for police accountability and reform and equity and inclusion within the State of Minnesota to protect and uplift people of African heritage.
What can you do? Join our efforts by calling and writing to your state elected representatives in the House and Senate to express the need for police accountability measures that protect the rights of all Minnesotans and address community recommendations for systemic change in policing and human rights protection. Find out who represents you at https://www.gis.lcc.mn.gov/iMaps/districts/.
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