Statement on Events in Minnesota: A Call to Protect Community Safety and Civil Rights

The Black Women’s Health Imperative is deeply saddened and disturbed by the violence and unrest unfolding in Minnesota. These events are not just a news story, they are a public health alarm. We believe every community deserves safety, dignity, and accountability. Fear and instability are public health issues. 

Across the country, Black and Brown communities are experiencing heightened fear and uncertainty, and women are often the ones holding families together through it all. Our nation is witnessing the consequences of fear-driven systems colliding with real communities. When enforcement escalates in ways that lead to violence and unrest, it puts basic civil rights at risk. Due process matters. The right to peacefully protest matters. No one should have to fear for their safety simply for documenting events, speaking up, or standing in the public square.

Additionally, when government actions result in loss of life, the impact is not limited to a single person or a single moment. It spreads. It shows up as anxiety, depression, chronic stress, hypertension, pregnancy complications, and families retreating from schools, clinics, jobs, and public life simply because they no longer feel safe.

We urge policymakers and leaders to pursue humane, responsible approaches that protect communities and uphold civil rights without fueling trauma, chaos, or preventable harm. Our hearts are with the people of Minnesota and communities across this country, and we will continue to speak for systems that honor the humanity and health of every person.