He participated in and helped create Black joy. He made people laugh with skits that went viral, was a positive influence on and avid supporter of those around him, and many say he was the “heart and soul” of Minneapolis. He spread joy at a time when people needed it most, and his impact on the community was widespread. Winston Smith was a comedian, a musician, a father, and an involved community member. In the interest of focusing not solely on Black death, but uplifting Black joy, we want to share more about what we know of Winston, and his impact on those around him. Winston was a beloved member of the community, and his life was so much more than how he died. All law enforcement must be abolished, because all law enforcement perpetuates white supremacy and racism at the expense of the lives of Black folks. The involvement of federal law enforcement also demonstrates that the problem with policing and violence toward Black people goes beyond the Minneapolis Police Department. Much of the coverage of this murder has been focused on respectability politics, and what Smith did “wrong” in this situation, but the fact of the matter is he did nothing wrong-the cops who killed him did. Having a gun is not a crime, and should not be a death sentence. Being Black is not a crime, and should not be a death sentence. They would have you believe Smith’s murder was his fault, but the only thing he did was exist as a Black man. The media and cops immediately made claims about Smith’s guilt-he was a murder suspect, he was a felon with a gun, he resisted. ![]() Marshals in a shopping center parking garage during the busiest time of day. Yesterday in Uptown, Winston Smith was publicly executed by the Hennepin County Sheriff and U.S. Our 2023 legislative agenda includes proven solutions from tenant-led and community-based organizations that rebalance the scales to create lasting renter power and housing justice. Minnesota has some of the widest racial disparities in homeownership and housing stability nationwide, and delivering justice for renters is key to preventing homelessness and moving people to homeownership. It’s time to create lasting change with policies that ensure tenants have dignity, fairness and respect in their homes. With a nearly $18 billion budget surplus and united political will, there is no excuse for inaction in 2023. During the COVID pandemic, lawmakers took swift and impactful steps to safeguard the health and stability of renters across the state, even with a deeply divided legislature. Government has always played a role in the housing market. We aren’t fooled by the landlord and developer lobby claiming they need free reign to exploit our neighbors without any reasonable regulations. ![]() Now, a growing number of corporate and predatory landlords are spiking rents to make more money and forcing our neighbors who rent out of their homes - and legislators have stood aside and let it happen. Just like redlining locked out Black and brown, Indigenous and Jewish people from homeownership, Minnesota lawmakers have crafted some of the weakest tenant protections in the nation that actively and disproportionately harm people of color across the state. ![]() From the vibrant urban centers of the Twin Cities to increasingly diverse communities across Greater Minnesota, nearly 30% of residents in our state rent their homes, playing an essential role in our shared prosperity and potential every single day.įor generations, our state leaders have preferenced and subsidized property owners and big developers, stacking the deck against renters and giving landlords excessive power. Regardless of our race, age or income, we know our communities are stronger when families, children and workers can put down roots in the neighborhoods they choose to call home. EIP is excited to bring you our 2023 legislative agenda, featuring policies such as Tenant Right to Organize, Just Cause eviction protections, Source of Income protections, and more! Minnesota Youth Collective is a member of the Equity in Place (EIP) coalition, a diverse group of community organizations and housing advocates working to advance housing justice in Minnesota.
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