With everything happening in my home city, Minneapolis, I wanted to share this piece I wrote last winter. While what's happening is scary and terrifying, I have never felt prouder of my neighborhood and the community there. Today's events echo the riots from a few years ago, demonstrating the resilience and strength of this Midwestern city. In memory of that time, and those who continue to fight for what is right, give it a read.

Because helicopters hummed above my house for weeks, droning in and out as the daylight passed and curfew began.

Because group chats turned hostile if you didn't post the right hashtags or captions with the black square.

Because my city became the center of global news, spreading images of burned down police stations that didn't look like where I grew up at all.

Because the video spread like wildfire through phones until all I could hear was “I can't breathe,” a sound that echoed through the disease ridden state.

Because my liberal neighbors now owned shotguns and seats for their porch, and shifted in and out of consciousness late at night while awaiting the looters.

Because the smoke faded and people started buying milk for cereal instead of tear gas.

Because when the businesses reopened, the locals cautiously returned with their wallets full and ready to rebuild.

Because in college when I said where I was from, people's eyes widened and I could see the images and thoughts flashing through their minds.

Because George Floyd wasn't the first in my city, and he wasn't the last.

Because a change had to start somewhere, so why not here?

Amelie Minneapolis, MN · Spring 2020