In Remembrance of George Floyd

Today, we mark one year since the death of George Floyd and we at People’s Center remain filled with heavy hearts in response to this instance, and all instances, of violence inflicted on people of color here in Minnesota, and in the United States as a whole. The murder of George Floyd shined a light on racial injustice and systemic violence in this country; violence that continues to take black and brown lives, both seen and unseen. May this one man’s memory be a blessing amidst all the turmoil and pain of this last year but let us not forget that his name is only one among many. Each name is that of father, a son, a mother, a daughter, a brother, a sister, and each is an important person now lost.

Amid a global pandemic and great uncertainty, our community raised their voices in the Twin Cities and invigorated the fight against abuses of power all around the United States. We have seen historic action, new avenues of accountability, and greater understanding across our country which motivates us to keep moving forward to address inequity and violence. The equity in health that we fight for means more than medicine and check-ups, it is restoring health access and quality of life to those who have not been afforded these rights. Achieving this is not possible without addressing systemic issues that target our neighbors.

Our clinic has long seen the effects of racial injustice in the 50 years since we opened our doors in Cedar-Riverside. We remain committed to raising our voices against injustice and will continue to do the work to dismantle systems of oppression. This work is inherent within our mission and vision as an institution of health, and we ask you to join us, whenever you read this, to begin, continue, or reflect on what it means to do that work.

We are committed to our community, our patients, and our employees to help with healing and work for change as we remember the names of those who have been taken from us today.