The Toolkit is a compilation of articles, guides, news, videos, social media, and other tools from several online sources on racial justice and Black Lives Matter activism. The site is a work in progress with ongoing updates and contributions to each section. Please contact us with any suggestions or resource contributions! The Toolkit is an online social justice resource rooted in a committment to radical love and service to the Rochester, MN community.
The 2016 shooting deaths of Philando Castile in Falcon Heights, MN and Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge, LA, and the fatal shooting of police officers, Brent Thompson, Patrick Zamarripa, Michael Krol, Lorne Ahrens and Michael Smith in Dallas, TX have deeply polarized our nation and local communities. Since then, similar tragedies have continued to occur across the country.
Beyond hashtags and political posturing, these were all valued individuals with families and friends, and dreams like all of us. There are devasted partners, children, parents, siblings, and dear friends left behind. These were precious human lives that have been lost to not only the violence of gunfire, but the violence of ongoing inequalities and hate.
Rochester is a growing and increasingly diverse community. In addition, communities of color continue to confront systemic inequalities here in our city. Our city depends on informed citizens-in-solidarity, leadership, and change partners who are dedicated to creating a truly inclusive community where all members can thrive and belong without fear or marginalization. The Toolkit is about supporting a deeper dialogue, building solidarity, and helping to build a community culture that is anti-racist at its core.
We honor the lives of law enforcement officers who risk their lives daily for our safety and protection. We honor and mourn the lives of men, women, and children killed by police violence. It is our great love for our nation and our communities that pushes us to demand better, demand justice, demand peace from those in power and sworn to protect us. This work finds strength, resilience, and understanding through love aimed at achieving justice, peace, and healing.