Statement on the killing of Amir Locke

MCEA mourns the killing of Amir Locke by a Minneapolis police officer. Today is his funeral, and Amir should be alive today. We stand in solidarity with Amir’s family and community.

Amir’s death is one more tragic example of systemic racism that still persists in our society. Systemic racism is also at the root of environmental racism.  Mining and crude oil pipelines threaten tribal reservations. Industrial facilities spew pollution over North Minneapolis. As a society, we place polluting industrial facilities, mines, highways, and pipelines near communities of color; many of those same communities endure police tactics like no-knock warrants that engender fear and distrust instead of assuring safety. All people deserve clean air and water, freedom from police brutality, and physical security – access to these human rights are the bedrock of a just society. Together, we must work towards a vibrant, healthy world where these rights are assured for all of us.