I write this message with deep concern for the racial tensions that we are facing now. We have all seen the disturbing events that have taken place over the course of the last week in Minnesota and ripple effect from that over the nation and the world with rallies and protests. The injustice that was delivered to George Floyd in Minneapolis is just the tip of the iceberg of deeper racial issues. This is beyond just Mr. Floyd and extend to the killings of Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia and Breonna Taylor in Kentucky, and many other past victims. United States has a long history of this racial discrimination, not just from police profiling but also from her fellow citizens, and this racism gets strengthened by indifference and inaction as told by soccer player Kevin Prince-Boateng to his address to the UN.
I feel confident that Minnesota section of IFT has embraced diversity and inclusion in our section activities and encourage diverse participation in various initiatives that we get involved however we too have much that we can learn and grow on. I am very proud of our committees, such as New Professionals, in leading efforts through their community centric activities.
Martin Luther King, Jr. has said “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” We need to raise our voice over such injustice and show our solidarity toward justice and fairness.
I reiterate the words of IFT president here “As an organization striving for inclusivity and committed to embracing our community’s diversity of race, ethnicity, gender, age, and thought, IFT will not stand for any form of discrimination or injustice. Our core values of integrity, passion, progress, and most importantly respect and community, are what define us as a collective organization both professionally and personally. Our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity has never been more important. Now more than ever we need to stand by our values and stand up to those who oppress others with a blatant disregard for life”.
I end this note with the words from our Governor Tim Waltz, where he recognizes Mr. Floyd’s death as a symptom and need to cure the systemic disease of racism that might take a generation to accomplish.
The New Professionals Committee has collected potential opportunities for our members to show solidarity and support fund raising activities that support affected citizens in Minnesota and beyond. We support and encourage our members to help if possible.
DONATION DRIVES
Du Nord Craft Spirits (opening up warehouse/taproom closed due to COVID-19 to house donations)
o When: Open Thursday & Friday 10 am – 5 pm
o Location: 2610 32nd St. E Minneapolis, Minnesota
o Specific Needs:
- Laundry soap
- Dry foods
- Toothbrushes (individually wrapped)
- Bread and tortillas
- Apples and bananas
New Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church
o When: Open Thurs-Sat 9:30 am – 5 pm
o Location: 3859 Fremont Av. N, Minneapolis, Minnesota
o Specific Needs:
- Food and Essential Items
- Sign ups for items needed also on Facebook page
& Many More! List of places accepting donations is always changing. Please feel free to find a open donations spot here.
Donate Money
o Rebuild Lake Street (We Love Lake Street)
Need Help?
If you are in need of assistance or help during this time please contact Lindsay.Budin@agropur.com or check out this article.