This didn’t start in 2020.

Minneapolis has long enjoyed the reputation of being a haven of liberal ideology and policy. From its home state’s longstanding streak of voting for Democratic presidential candidates, to a legacy of “labor” in its liberal institutions, and deep-rooted ties to Scandinavian-style social programs there is a lot to be proud of. Unfortunately, underneath that reputation’s veneer has festered a deeply divided and racially biased city. Redlining of homes prevented families of color from owning property in the city. Operation Blood Drive and the over-policing of majority Black communities in Minneapolis illegally expropriated wealth and lives from communities. Bulldozing a thriving Black community in South Minneapolis for Interstate 35W has led to over half-a-century of continued harm to the Southeast and Northwest quadrants of our city. All of which culminated most recently in the public lynching of George Floyd by 4 members of the Minneapolis City Government.

Because of that, neighbors and community members surrounding the intersection of 38th St. and Chicago Ave in South Minneapolis came together in the days following May 25, 2020 to take control of the street and demand change. The CVC is born out of the efforts of the community to simultaneously hold space for the ongoing protest for the 24 demands of Justice Resolution 001, the needs of residents in the George Floyd Square vicinity, the historical significance of the community along 38th street and a desire to break the cycle.

The twin cities had been a part of mechanisms of segregation resulting in 

• Racial Covenants

• Redlining

• Displacement

• Concentrated Poverty

• Disinvestment 

• Limited community resources 

• Literal bulldozing of communities

Resulting in current long term consequences such as..

• Prevented investment

• Increased police presence

• Systematized violence

• Enduring disparities

This a problem that has been an issue for decades and which continues to affect us today. All of this led up to the murder of George Floyd in broad daylight in front of community members and children.

This is NOT exclusively a South Minneapolis issue; it is a nationwide one. With that said, it needs to start with us.

The city of Minneapolis has not given meaningful resources to this community. They have not brought peace or mercy to these 4 neighborhoods which touch the intersection of 38th and Chicago. They have doubled down on the trauma they caused at nearly every turn.

The CVC exists to stop that. We will continuing to voice concerns that have been weighing heavy on Minneapolis and everywhere else that disenfranchised people exist for decades.

The reaction of our communities in 2020 was long overdue. We do not condone every action that occurred, but we do understand them. It's time for the whole city and nation to listen and to address this wheel of oppression that is currently in motion.

We can choose to stop it together. The plans we make
and advocate for are small steps toward justice.