Over the past several days, the world has seen both the worst and the best of Minneapolis-St. Paul. It is incomprehensible that George Floyd, an African American man, a member of our community, a beloved employee of a small business in Minneapolis and a friend to many, was murdered while handcuffed and pleading for his life. The lack of respect for human dignity from someone charged with upholding the law is disgusting and devastating. Our state and country are clearly not where we need to be, not when violence is inflicted by those trained to deescalate it.

Our community has also rallied to support and care for one another. This generosity and loving spirit have been evident even in these difficult days. As one example among many, Touchstone Mental Health requested food donations for Minnehaha Commons residents on Lake Street. So many people dropped off food that they became a distribution center for the entire neighborhood.

We are a region that strives to bring prosperity to all. There is no doubt we must do better. The Minneapolis Regional Chamber acknowledges that unconscious and conscious biases and prejudices create structural impediments to systemic change. We pledge to build on our work supporting inclusive economic growth across the Twin Cities. We will lead with civility, justice, and an intentional approach to delivering systemic change.

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