We, the Minnesota State Baptist Convention, continue to be infuriated at the death of George Floyd at the hands of the Minneapolis Police Department. Now, we are reliving the unconscionable act of that horrible day as we hear, during the trial of Derrick Chauvin, over and over another Black man repeat to police officers that “I can’t breathe,” while his life was prematurely taken from him, his family, and his friends. Yet, we realize and are in constant prayer to our Father in Heaven that His will for justice.
As we relive the horrible death of George Floyd through the trial, another young black man’s life has been tragically ended by the hands of another Officer of the Law. On April 11, 2021 in the afternoon, after being pulled over by Brooklyn Center Police Officers, 20-year old Daunte Wright was shot and killed by a police officer of the Brooklyn Center Police Department. The report and the video reveal that the officer was irresponsible.
It seems unreal how these horrible incidences continue to happen. The pain does not lessen with each incidence. But, the pain deepens even the more.
It seems senseless how we continue to witness such blatant unheard of incidences. We, as believers of God the Father, can not help but to ask “WHY”? It seems we are suiting up for a race we were never intended to win. Then, we are reassured in Micah 6:8, which comforts and guides us in troubled times to walk humbly and let God lead all our actions:
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.
Supported by our leadership with the National Baptist Convention, as we walk humbly and allowing the leadership of our God, we believe that the time is now to address the systematic issues of White Supremacy and police brutality in our communities. The Minnesota State Baptist Convention believe in the law of God and the law of the land. We demand that justice be done and nobody, even the police officer, should not be exempt from accountability and responsibility.
Our hearts are sadden about these events. We grieve with the families of young Daunte Wright and George Floyd. We are praying that our protests are peaceful and effective. We will do everything we can to meet the needs of the people who are impacted.
President, Dr. Billy G. Russell
Minnesota State Baptist Convention, Inc.
and
Rev. Dr. Runney D. Patterson, Sr.
Vice-President At Large
President-Elect
Minnesota State Baptist Convention