I’ve been thinking a lot about how the children of Minnesota are doing during this evil Occupation by our Federal Government. Not just the immigrant children, but ALL children. How do you explain all of this desperate sadness and fear to kids who should only be thinking about learning and playing? It’s a lot for everyone, but it has to be so overwhelming for our young kids.
Local children were asked to write love letters to Minneapolis
Thank goodness Minnesota is so thoughtful and progressive when it comes to everything, but especially our children. The Minneapolis Park Board Horticulture Group (MplsGardens on Instagram) asked local kids to write love letters to Minneapolis about what they love about their hometown, and it could not be more sweet.
The installations are in five parks so far, and the letters are mounted on heart shaped posters. Out state people who never come to the city like to talk a lot of smack about Minneapolis, and how they’re all scared to go anywhere near the urban areas. They are missing out on an awful lot, and Minneapolis kids are telling them what’s what.
If you’re not here, you cannot have any real concept about how this violent Occupation permeates the everyday lives of everyone. ICE doesn’t care if kids are around, they are more than happy to tear gas children, without blinking. I’ve seen it with my own eyes … they are utter monsters. How do you explain that kind of sheer evil to kids?
Kids are resilient, but can they get over the trauma?
Kids are remarkably resilient, as we’ve seen throughout history, around the world. Imagine the children of Gaza … they will never be able to get over the trauma they’ve seen, but you still see images of kids kicking around balls and playing … among the epic ruins. Minneapolis kids have likely seen their fellow Americans beaten and murdered in our streets by now, whether live or on television. Yet, when asked what their favorite things are about their city, they’re still able to give a shout out to ice cream. Kids should be allowed to BE KIDS. Unfortunately, we have a heartless administration who actively harm children, without a second thought. It is our job to remind them to just be kids.
The Powderhorn Park ones are in the same park where last weekend a violent clash happened as ICE and Border Patrol officers attacked people in the park – another complete violation. It is the same park where the public Memorial for Renee Good will take place this coming Saturday. The kids who frequent this park have seen a LOT in their young lives … but they remain positive and sweet, hopeful and appreciative.
They are our future, and they are who we are doing all of this for. I stopped in at the May Day Cafe after the park, and a woman was holding a little baby while picking up an ICE OUT sign. I said, “We’re doing all of this for her.” – and we both got a little teary. Again.
I didn’t have time to go to all of the parks to see all of the love letters, but if you’re out and about near any of them, I encourage you to stop for a moment and let your own heart have a little moment of peace and love.
Visit the memorials to those murdered by the state
I went by the Alex Pretti Memorial again as it was so close, and was amazed at how large it has grown since I was there the day after he was murdered. There are signs from all over the world offering their support for Minnesota, many of them also written by kids. They should not have to think about such deeply sad things, but here we are. And they continue to help make something beautiful out of all of it.
When you visit any of the Memorials – George Floyd, Renee Good, Alex Pretti – you feel the resilience of the People. You feel encouraged, that we are all in this together, and we CARE ABOUT EACH OTHER, no matter who you are or where you came from.
You feel the love. You feel the power in unity. And you feel the absolute conviction of the sign at the front of the Pretti Memorial – You Can’t Break Us. We will not be broken. We CANNOT be. These kids are counting on us all. And they love their city. Clearly. We fight on for them.
Thank you too, for caring. Solidarity forever.
All pictures by CJGronner. Follow CJ on Substack
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