The Streets of Minneapolis

It’s very strange to see your hometown as a lead story in the news. Minneapolis does not have the same celebrity status (if you will) as New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles. Our “vibe”, as perceived by those who don’t live here, tends to gravitate towards MINNEAPOLIS IS COLD and PRINCE IS FROM MINNEAPOLIS and THE VIKINGS WILL NEVER WIN THE SUPERBOWL. That is pretty much all non-Minnesotans know about Minneapolis and all of these things are true.

We are not accustomed to being in the spotlight. It’s surreal to hear Bruce Springsteen’s new song but I suppose it’s not the first time a music legend has written a song about Minnesota.

If you don’t live here, it might be a surprise to see that we are a city of badasses that are not afraid of the cold and have no hesitation to look out for each other. And despite what certain news outlets want you to believe, Minneapolis is not a war zone.

But we have our warriors. However, the vast majority of our warriors are brave enough to be gentle and empathetic. We are gathering to be together, to protect one another, and to show anyone who needs to see that we are not afraid, even though we are terrified.

When I wrote that I went out recently I received a few emails asking if I felt safe. After all, I was only a few blocks from where Alex Pretti was killed just a week prior.

For too long I have felt powerless and angry and hopeless. I am just one girl and what can I do? When we think of solving problems we tend to think of the root of the problem. But that’s easier said than done. Instead I need to focus on what I can control and what I can affect.

My sister was collecting donations for a neighbor that was too afraid to leave their home. For good reason as ICE was. and still is, in her neighborhood. We sent her some money so she could purchase and deliver essentials for them. I felt better for a tiny bit. I mean, we have an entire city (and country) living in fear and I can’t stop thinking of everyone else, but for one family I could make a small difference.

I woke up early that day and drove to my makeup appointment in south Minneapolis. The neighborhood was showing their resistance with FUCK ICE and ICE OUT yard signs and the like. Some social media users want you to think that we have upside down cars on fire or whatever but there’s been none of that.

I went to the theatre and they were collecting donations. I brought toilet paper and menstruation items as they were the biggest need. I met my friend and we went to the play. The audience was filled with families and kids from the community. I chatted with my seat neighbors and had a wonderful time.

After the play we drove to the site where Alex Pretti was killed. We parked a few blocks away and we passed countless cars honking to show their support and hundreds of people and churches giving out bottled water and cookies. The site was filled with a garden of flowers and so, so many people. Except for the sound of passing cars a block over, it was silent. People were mourning and reflecting. There was peace in the air.

We stepped into Glam Doll Donuts to warm up and donated a little money there as well. We sat and had our drinks and marveled at our city. The unity. The love. The fierce protectiveness we have for each other.

We drove back to the theatre to pick up my car and the park across the street was filled with literally hundreds of people. Alex Pretti loved to bike so there was a ride in his honor. The cyclists gathered at the park when the ride was over. It was amazing to see so many people riding their bikes in the slippery streets of Minneapolis but the ride was about community. You’d think that hundreds of people would create absolute chaos but that wasn’t the case. Just… people. Together.

I ended the day feeling a little better. I felt like I did something. I mean, I didn’t stop the root of the problem, but being in the community, bringing donations… It helped. I saw people gathering, despite the cold. We are not afraid of ice here.

If you are feeling helpless and hopeless and angry and the midterm elections feel too far away, there’s still something you can do. This is a good place to start. Another thing we can do is donate blood. I have been donating platelets regularly for a few years now (almost to twenty gallons!) and there is always a need for blood. Donations are down at the moment because too many donors are afraid to leave their house.

I am writing this on Thursday, February 5th and this is scheduled to post on Monday, February 9th. Although that is only a few days away I have no idea what things will be like then. Not being able to predict or even feel somewhat confident about the city or the world will be like less than a week out is strange. I feel like so much has happened in one year, but at the same time I feel like nothing has happened.

I love Minneapolis. If I didn’t live here, I’d move here.

Love, Hannah