Anna's Birthday Fundraiser: Reclaim the Block
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This past week we have all witnessed so much. From the brutal murder of a Black man by four policemen that were supposed to protect and serve, to the deep sorrow of a community that turned to anger & uprising. And now, an incredible uniting of our neighborhoods and communities to fight for the revolution to finally end violence & racism towards our Black and POC communities.
As my birthday approaches, instead of birthday presents or parties, I would love for anyone who is willing and able to make a donation to the Reclaim the Block organization. Any amount helps to make a change that our city so desperately needs, in order to stop the police brutality and disparities that exist within our Black, POC, & lower socioeconomic status communities.
"Reclaim the Block began in 2018 and organizes Minneapolis community and city council members to move money from the police department into other areas of the city’s budget that truly promote community health and safety. We believe health, safety and resiliency exist without police. We organize around policies that strengthen community-led safety initiatives and reduce reliance on police departments. We do not believe that increased regulation of or public engagement with the police will lead to safer communities, as community testimony and documented police conduct suggest otherwise.
Minneapolis has an opportunity to make real investments in the resources that help keep our communities safe. The crises facing our city, like housing shortages, addiction, and violence in our communities, are being used to justify this inflated spending on police. What our communities know, and research has affirmed, is that increased policing and criminalization exacerbate the conditions of violence., We also know that police are called on to respond to emergencies, like mental health calls, that should be handled by professional and culturally relevant response teams, rather than a department with a track record of killing people. The solutions to our problems will take time, money, and reimagining of safety that is community-led. We’re calling on our city council and mayor to invest in violence prevention, housing, resources for youth, and solutions to the opioid crisis. We have no option but to start now!"
On a personal level - I lost my mom almost 4 years ago, she tragically took her own life after a lifelong battle with mental health issues. I witnessed over the course of 10+ years the system fail her over and over. I lost count of how many times she was admitted to a hospital or picked up by the cops, only to be let out with little to no guidance of where to go next. My siblings and I made countless phone calls to social workers, police, rehab facilities, etc. and unfortunately due to limited funding and my mom not having the personal funds to afford more care there was little that could be done. With more funding towards mental health services, social workers, etc. I truly believe that my mom would have had a better chance of recovery. My experience is only one of MANY that ended so tragically due to our system not funding the right parts-- disproportionately so for our Black brothers & sisters, indigenous and people of color communities. Change MUST happen NOW!
I will be hosting this fundraiser from June 5th- June 12th and have a goal of raising at least $500. I would love any help that I can get to meet that goal!
Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart, for helping me support a cause that can and will bring the change our city so desperately needs!
As my birthday approaches, instead of birthday presents or parties, I would love for anyone who is willing and able to make a donation to the Reclaim the Block organization. Any amount helps to make a change that our city so desperately needs, in order to stop the police brutality and disparities that exist within our Black, POC, & lower socioeconomic status communities.
"Reclaim the Block began in 2018 and organizes Minneapolis community and city council members to move money from the police department into other areas of the city’s budget that truly promote community health and safety. We believe health, safety and resiliency exist without police. We organize around policies that strengthen community-led safety initiatives and reduce reliance on police departments. We do not believe that increased regulation of or public engagement with the police will lead to safer communities, as community testimony and documented police conduct suggest otherwise.
Minneapolis has an opportunity to make real investments in the resources that help keep our communities safe. The crises facing our city, like housing shortages, addiction, and violence in our communities, are being used to justify this inflated spending on police. What our communities know, and research has affirmed, is that increased policing and criminalization exacerbate the conditions of violence., We also know that police are called on to respond to emergencies, like mental health calls, that should be handled by professional and culturally relevant response teams, rather than a department with a track record of killing people. The solutions to our problems will take time, money, and reimagining of safety that is community-led. We’re calling on our city council and mayor to invest in violence prevention, housing, resources for youth, and solutions to the opioid crisis. We have no option but to start now!"
On a personal level - I lost my mom almost 4 years ago, she tragically took her own life after a lifelong battle with mental health issues. I witnessed over the course of 10+ years the system fail her over and over. I lost count of how many times she was admitted to a hospital or picked up by the cops, only to be let out with little to no guidance of where to go next. My siblings and I made countless phone calls to social workers, police, rehab facilities, etc. and unfortunately due to limited funding and my mom not having the personal funds to afford more care there was little that could be done. With more funding towards mental health services, social workers, etc. I truly believe that my mom would have had a better chance of recovery. My experience is only one of MANY that ended so tragically due to our system not funding the right parts-- disproportionately so for our Black brothers & sisters, indigenous and people of color communities. Change MUST happen NOW!
I will be hosting this fundraiser from June 5th- June 12th and have a goal of raising at least $500. I would love any help that I can get to meet that goal!
Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart, for helping me support a cause that can and will bring the change our city so desperately needs!
Organizer
Anna Stahlmann
Organizer
Minneapolis, MN