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– The whole world is following this case, says Chauntyll Allen of Black Lives Matter – Twin Cities.
And the amount of television crews surrounding her can well be seen as proof of the claim.
George Floyd’s death after a police intervention not only sparked demonstrations and riots here in Minneapolis in May last year, but the protests spread to the rest of the United States. And much of the world.
Demonstrations takes place outside the building where the trial of former police officer Derek Chauvin will take place. He is charged with manslaughter, after having his knee in his neck during Floyd’s arrest for about nine minutes, until Floyd was apparently completely lifeless. And it was the video clips of that event, which quickly spread on social networks and became the start of the protests. On how the police treat black people in America. But also about racism in other parts of American society.
Now the large county administrative building, which also houses the courthouse, is surrounded by high fences and members of the National Guard have been called in to maintain security. One of the protesters at the scene, Kiera, is a bit nervous about what will happen once the verdict is rendered. Neither side will be happy.
– If Chauvin were convicted, it could lead to hate crimes against non-whites, says Kiera, who also fears that an acquittal could spark further unrest in the city.
For Minneapolis It is a city that still has clear wounds after the events that led to the death of George Floyd. As you go down Lake Street, for example, you can still see some traces of the riots that took place here, barricaded buildings, or vacant lots of some of the twelve houses that were completely burned down. Among other things, a police station caught fire here. Kate White moved into the area during the riots.
Chaos, which is why Kate White describes the riots, where she moved around a burning apartment building and looted shops.
One person threatened to shoot her and her partner if they picked up their phones, she says.
She explains that they were both homeless at the time and had no money. So it was some of those who went into the Cub department store, after people broke in there, to try to find food. But inside he saw people completely losing control, smashing things and smashing them, without even trying to take care of the food.
– I hope to God it never happens again, says Kate White, about the riots.
Another, more peaceful footprint is seen in the urban landscape as you approach the street where George Floyd died. Here you find barricades, but painted in light colors and on a sign you can read that you have reached the Free State George Floyd.
Inside, a large monument has been built over it and large murals have been painted. One of the local shops sells Black Lives Matter print clothing, and most villas in the area have posters with the same theme. Since Floyd’s death, this has also become a gathering place for activists.
But lately The City of Minneapolis has wanted to remove roadblocks, not least in reference to various forms of riots and shootings that have taken place within the area. But until now they remain. Negotiations are apparently ongoing, but one of the 24 demands written on a sign at the barricade is that the four police officers who participated in the intervention against George Floyd must have been tried in Minneapolis before the free state was dissolved.
Here at the place called George Perry Floyd Jr. Place, I meet Kandace Montgomery who works for the Yes 4 Minneapolis organization. After George Floyd’s death, several politicians promised a proper police overhaul and reorganization. But after its plan for change got bogged down in the local political bureaucracy, this organization launched its own proposal. Signatures are now being collected. The goal is to get 20,000 signed; then the proposal can end up on a ballot in November.
Largely The change is to allow the city council to permanently assume responsibility for the mayor’s police and organize the police as part of a larger activity, which is about public safety. And invest more money in prevention and less in police. Access to work and housing is what makes the city safer in the long run, says Kandace Montgomery.
But let’s go back to the rally in front of the house where Derek Chauvin’s trial will take place. Chauntyll Allen from Black Lives Matter is not entirely happy with the turnout this time around. But tomorrow it is time for a new demonstration. The goal is to show the system that it is policing justice, Allen says. And to show that you do not intend to give up.
