Statement in response to the Chauvin trial verdict, and the killing of George Floyd

We serve a robust and diverse community, people of all races and ethnicities, abilities, and orientations. Our patients, staff, and stakeholders enrich each other’s lives immensely and at the same time we are challenged to confront our own beliefs that contribute to discrimination in all its forms in and out of our clinics. Regardless of our identity we are all negatively affected by racism and police brutality, but our black and brown sisters and brothers are disproportionately affected and live their daily lives contending with systemic oppression.

The verdict reached in the Derrick Chauvin trial has given some peace and hope to people of color, to our colleagues, ourselves, and our patients, yet we acknowledge that despite this victory there is still more we can do. Peoples Center stands with the community in this time, and renews its dedication to be a place of wellness for Cedar-Riverside and Minnesota. In solidarity with George Floyd’s family, and all the victims of police brutality, we will continue to pursue equity for our patients and our community, so that our children can experience the justice that has been so elusive in our lifetimes.

As we begin the healing process in our community, let us all take part in continued efforts to heal, to strengthen our ties to community, to commit to justice, and to nurture accountability. Please join us in this pledge to keep an open mind, lead with compassion, listen and learn from each other, and always, always judge less and love more. Our future depends on it.

It is time for change.

From People’s Center Staff and Leadership

Written by Holly DeSouza, Director of Nursing, and Christine Mueller, Program Manager.