As we take this day to reflect and heal, we wanted to share a collection of news articles, speeches, meditations, and other resources. Reflection is one of our five values and calls us to “contemplate all life experience and examine the mystery of human purpose.”
Yesterday’s guilty verdicts in the Chauvin trial for the murder of George Floyd were an important step toward meaningful change to end systemic racism and set a precedent for police accountability. Today’s statement from the Sisters of St. Joseph notes that “we are also compelled to move our faith into action...to confront whiteness and to work for lasting systemic change that will address the grave racial disparities and injustices within our own hearts, our community, Minnesota, and our nation.” We must collectively continue to work together to lead change that will create a more just world; there is much more work to do.
We also want to acknowledge that today many of you will be thinking of and praying for the families and loved ones of Daunte Wright as his life is honored at his wake and of Ma'Khia Bryant, a young black girl who was killed by police in Columbus, Ohio, yesterday afternoon.
We hope that you are all able to take time today, either alone or together, to reflect and process these recent events. To breathe and just be. To begin to heal and see the goodness and hope that exists.
Peace be with you.
Articles and Commentaries
- Interview with Professor Taiyon Coleman, PhD -- KARE-11 Coverage of Chauvin Trial
- Community leaders react as we wait for the Chauvin verdict: Kerri Miller interview with Professor Taiyon Coleman, PhD and Sondra Samuels –– MPR News
- Conviction of Derek Chauvin: A moment of victory amid a history of injustice –– Star Tribune
- The verdict: His life mattered –– Washington Post
- How I’m Talking to My Kids About the Derek Chauvin Verdict –– The New York Times
- BLACK VOICES: I Wish I Were Relieved –– HuffPost
- After an anguished wait, Chauvin verdict brings a flood of emotions, pledges to do better—and food –– Sahan Journal
- For George Floyd, justice. For Minneapolis, a long-delayed reckoning with racism and police violence –– Sahan Journal
- Welcoming the dear neighbor: how to be a better ally at St. Kate’s –– The Wheel (12/7/2020)
Statements and Remarks
- Honoring the Life of George Floyd – Statement from the CSJs
- Statement by President Barack Obama and Mrs. Obama
- President Biden and VP Harris deliver remarks on George Floyd murder trial guilty verdict
- ‘Something needs to change’: Walz responds to Chauvin verdict with call for more reforms –– MinnPost
- How the US, world reacted to Derek Chauvin conviction (world leaders react) –– Al Jazeera
- Catholic bishops, leaders react to Chauvin verdict –– Catholic Spirit
Meditations, Reflections and Prayers
- Prayer: Gratitude Day 8 – Sisters of St. Joseph
- We Were Made For These Times by Clarissa Pinkola Estes (Read by Bex Gaunt)
- Let freedom ring! by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (Read by Provost Anita Thomas, PhD)
- Reflection on Grief and the Difficult Work of Healing by Rachel Held Evans (Read by Sharon Howell, CSJ)
- Women Wisdom Sunday Reflection by Emily Ernst
- Healing Our City Virtual Prayer Tent –– Recorded and daily 8 a.m. prayer/reflection
Other
- H.R.7120 - George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020
- #SAY THEIR NAMES
- African American Policy Forum