Protests all over the country and the world have erupted for the brutal murder of African American George Floyd by policeman Derek Chauvin on May 25th and for police brutality, in general, against African Americans, usually with impunity. In this case, the four officers at the scene of the arrest have been removed from their positions and charged with crimes. Chauvin has been charged with second-degree murder.
The board of the Elaine Bacon Literacy Program deplores the actions of these Minneapolis police officers and stands with those who call for an end to violence by police and to a culture of racism that pervades our country. It cannot be denied that our heritage is rooted in crimes against indigenous peoples, whose lands were stolen from them, and against people from Africa who were enslaved so that our country could expand and grow. The murder of George Floyd is a result of this heritage, and his death, and that of numerous others, is a call to work toward mitigating the effects of this heritage. We abhor violence perpetrated against the vulnerable and will do what we can to speak out and take action against it.
We are committed to building a community based on mutual respect and trust in which all people are equally protected.
Elaine Bacon Literacy Program 