TCDIP and WILD stand in solidarity with George Floyd’s family and loved ones to recognize the verdict that was reached on Tuesday. We feel some sense of relief in this moment as we reflect on how to seek ongoing justice. Working towards racial equity and deeper justice does not end here. Between March 8 and today, more names have already been added to the too-long list of people who have been killed by the police, both here in Minnesota and beyond.

Our call to action remains the same: to dismantle the systems that lead to racial oppression and build an anti-racist future. How can organizations and individuals work towards an anti-racist future?

  1. Consider your role in creating a safer Twin Cities for all today. What does a safe community look like? What would safety have looked like for Daunte Wright, Dolal Idd, George Floyd, Jamar Clark, Philando Castile, and so many others? What can you do in your neighborhood, city, and state to ensure safer communities for all?
  2. Take action. What actions can you take today to build an anti-racist future tomorrow? What power do you have within your workplace, among your family and friends, and within your government to develop racial equity? If you’re looking for a place to start, sign up to receive volunteer alerts for our Wanton Injustice Legal Detail (WILD) initiative. If you’re looking for an immediate project, check out our initiative to assist with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department.
  3.  Continue to listen to and support Black attorneys and other attorneys of color. If you have not already, reach out to them. Acknowledge the difficulty of this moment and that you, and your company, are there to support them. At a time when we are socially distanced, connecting with people is even more important. TCDIP and several other bar organizations have organized Community Listening sessions from April 22-30.
Session Date and Time Audience Facilitator Registration link
April 22, 9 am-10 am Black legal professionals Jamil Stamschror Lott Register here.
April 22, 12 pm-1 pm Open to all legal professionals Erikka Ryan Register here.

 
April 23, 12 pm-1 pm BIPOC legal professionals Erikka Ryan Register here. 
April 29, 8 am-9 am Black legal professionals Jamil Stamschror Lott Register here. 
April 29, 12 pm-1 pm Open to all legal professionals Erikka Ryan Register here. 
April 30, 12 pm-1 pm BIPOC legal professionals Erikka Ryan Register here. 

 

4. Educate yourself and connect with your friends, family and colleagues. We have shared a few links below, including our WILD Conversation series focused on community safety. If you have more resources you would like to share with the TCDIP community, please email info@diversityinpractice.org and we’ll collect and distribute. We would encourage you to share these resources with your firm or company at large.

For more information about how we are taking action at TCDIP and how you can take action today, read our 2020 Annual Report and our statement regarding Daunte Wright. Together as a legal community we must stay strong in our commitment to equity and justice for the days, weeks, and months to come.