A message from Molly Greenman:
On April 20, Derek Chauvin was found guilty on all three charges.
No verdict can bring back George Floyd nor erase the trauma caused to his family, African-Americans, and our community. However, we are grateful for this small measure of justice. We have no doubt that this was made possible in part by the activists who took to the streets in collective outrage and grief to demand justice and by all those who have worked tirelessly to assure that Derek Chauvin be held accountable.
While this verdict is a positive step, the journey towards racial justice and equity is long, and our work is not finished. The Family Partnership stands in solidarity with Black and Brown communities and our staff and clients who have experienced violence at the hands of the police. We remain committed to advocating for policy and systems change while working in partnership with communities experiencing disparities to build a more equitable Minnesota.
We also know that many in our communities may need support given the intensity and impact of the trial. We encourage you to take care of yourself and seek the support you need.
Stay safe. Take care of yourself. Take care of each other.
A message from Molly Greenman:
The murder of George Floyd is a horrific and incomprehensible tragedy. At The Family Partnership, we share the anger and sadness at the loss of another African-American man – a father, neighbor, and friend.
And, we understand the rage felt by many. “Hurt people, hurt people.” We also need to say it is clear where the problems lie – in systemic racism and inequity. Black Lives Matter. It is that clarity which sparked the protests everywhere, the truth that has haunted us for centuries captured on video in the murder of George Floyd.
The Family Partnership’s work is to provide time, space, and resources to help people heal—people who have been hurt and who are hurting on an individual level. Yet, people, especially black, brown, and immigrant people have been suffering at the collective level for generations.
Our beloved city is in pain, and that pain came out in many ways, including rioting in our own neighborhood. Now is the time that we, as community members, can come together to address that pain and respond powerfully to the murder of George Floyd.
The Family Partnership will continue our work on an individual level with families and children, to clear the path to success. We will also join with others to fight racism and inequity on a systems level to build a Twin Cities where all children and families, regardless of income or origin, reach their full potential.