Closing arguments begin on April 19 in the Derek Chauvin trial, followed by jury deliberations. The former Minneapolis police officer is charged with the murder of George Floyd. Daunte Wright’s killing on April 12 by a police officer in the suburb of Brooklyn Center is still raw. George Floyd and Daunte Wright are two among too many unarmed black men killed by police in the U.S. The world is watching Minnesota. We must not be silent.

Central to Beehive’s social impact commitment is standing up for justice and equity in our communities. We join the Twin Cities and Black communities mourning the loss of Daunte Wright. We stand in solidarity with organizations that are demanding justice for Daunte Wright and his family. As a Certified B Corporation, Beehive recognizes the role that businesses and individuals must play in dismantling the racist systems, policies and practices that harm Black, brown and indigenous people (BIPOC).

We are inspired by these words: Hopeful people are people of action.

Right now is the time to take action to impact change at the systemic level. There are many ways to take action in Minnesota and in communities across our country. The resources below are Minnesota-focused, but there are similar state, regional and national organizations.

• Join the Minnesota Justice Coalition, which provides community legal services that advance social justice, racial equity, legislative reforms and healing through the justice system.
• Contact your Minnesota legislative representatives. Urge them to support these nine bills that will advance real, substantive change and contribute to community healing.
• Support and amplify the work of MN Coalition, a group of community organizations that has come together to work toward transforming police accountability and supporting families of stolen lives.
• Support and amplify the work of Racial Justice Network, a multi-racial, grassroots organization committed to fighting racial justice and building bridges across racial, social and economic lines.
• Follow Black Lives Matter Twin Cities Metro or your local/regional Black Lives Matter group on Facebook and answer their calls to action.
• If you are a white ally, commit your organization and yourself to being an active ally. Understand that being an ally is not an identity, it’s a lifelong process of taking action to support BIPOC communities. Learn more about being an active ally at your workplace. Read this open-source Guide to Allyship. Commit to self-education by participating in Rachel Cargle’s 30-day #DoTheWork course. Review these Racial Trauma, Resiliency and Ally Resources.
• Volunteer your time to help pack emergency food boxes, support families or volunteer in other ways in your community. Find volunteer opportunities in Minnesota at Hands On Twin Cities.

Together, we have the power to create a better world. It starts with hopeful people taking action.