The Minnesota AG, Keith Ellison, visited with Politics Done Right at Netroots Nation 2024 to discuss the 2024 Election, the George Floyd case he prosecuted, and much more.
Keith Ellison on Democracy, George Floyd, & More.
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Keith Ellison, Minnesota’s Attorney General, recently shared his insights on the ongoing struggle to maintain democracy in the United States, the legacy of George Floyd, and the broader challenges of racial and social justice. In a candid and thoughtful conversation, Ellison illuminated the critical intersection of race, governance, and the persistent fight for equity and inclusion. His comments serve as a powerful reminder of the stakes in the ongoing battle to preserve and strengthen democracy, particularly in an era marked by rising authoritarianism and regressive policies.
Ellison began by discussing a panel he had just participated in, focused on racial solidarity in the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder. He highlighted the backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and broader movements aimed at creating a more just and equitable society. This backlash, he noted, is not a new phenomenon but a continuation of a long history of resistance to racial progress in the United States.
The rhetoric coming from figures like Donald Trump, who have openly criticized DEI efforts as being “anti-white,” is part of a broader strategy to stoke racial resentment and division. This, Ellison explained, is a tactic as old as the Reconstruction era, when white supremacists framed Black voting rights and integration as a threat to white dominance. The same rhetoric is being repurposed today, targeting not just DEI but also environmental, social, and governance (ESG) efforts, affirmative action, and other policies designed to promote inclusivity.
Ellison’s observations draw attention to the cyclical nature of racial backlash in America. The narrative that DEI initiatives are a threat to the majority population echoes the post-Reconstruction propaganda that framed Black political participation as “negro domination.” This type of fear-mongering is designed to manipulate those who feel insecure or threatened by the presence of people of color and immigrants, capitalizing on their fears to advance a reactionary political agenda.
The panel also included voices like Justin Jones, a Tennessee State Representative who gained national attention for his bold stance against gun violence, only to be expelled from the legislature alongside another Black colleague. This incident, as Ellison pointed out, underscores the racial double standards still prevalent in American politics. It is a stark reminder that the fight for racial justice is far from over and that the forces of repression are still very much alive.
Tim Wise, an author and speaker on racism, was referenced in the discussion, highlighting the importance of recognizing white allies’ role in the anti-racist movement. Wise argues that the omission of these figures from mainstream narratives has perpetuated the notion that anti-racism is solely a minority concern. By reclaiming the stories of white abolitionists, civil rights activists, and others who fought against racial injustice, society can offer alternative role models for those who might otherwise feel implicated by discussions of systemic racism.
Ellison’s reflections on George Floyd’s case bring a deeper understanding of the challenges and complexities of prosecuting police misconduct. Floyd’s murder in May 2020 sparked a global movement for racial justice, and Ellison was thrust into the national spotlight as the attorney tasked with prosecuting Derek Chauvin, the officer who killed Floyd. His experience as a trial lawyer, particularly in civil rights cases against law enforcement, uniquely prepared him for this moment.
Ellison’s commitment to justice in this case was informed by the many hard lessons he learned over his career, including the devastating loss of a case in 1998 where a young Black man was shot in the back by a Minneapolis police officer. This history of systemic injustice fueled Ellison’s determination to secure a conviction in the Floyd case. This feat required legal acumen and a deep understanding of the racial dynamics at play.
Ellison’s success in the George Floyd case was a personal victory and a significant moment in the broader struggle for police accountability and racial justice in America. However, he emphasized that this moment of justice resulted from years of preparation, learning from past failures, and building a team that could withstand the pressures of such a high-profile case. His message to the public was clear: when your moment comes to stand up for what is right, draw on your experiences, no matter how painful, to rise to the occasion.
The conversation then turned to the broader threat to democracy posed by figures like Donald Trump, whose rhetoric and policies have actively undermined the principles of equality and justice. Ellison stressed that the focus in the upcoming 2024 election should be on what candidates will do for the people rather than their charisma or media appeal. The real issue is whether the United States will continue to move towards a more inclusive and just society or regress into a state of division and inequality.
Ellison urged voters to look beyond superficial qualities and consider which candidates are genuinely committed to addressing issues like inflation, Middle East peace, and women’s rights. He criticized the media’s tendency to focus on the “likability” of candidates rather than their policies, warning that this could lead to poor decision-making at the ballot box. For Ellison, the choice in 2024 is clear: voters must prioritize candidates who will advance the cause of justice and equality rather than those who seek to divide and oppress.
Keith Ellison’s discussion is a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for democracy and justice in the United States. His experiences and insights highlight the importance of solidarity, historical awareness, and a steadfast commitment to equity in the face of backlash. As the country approaches another critical election, Ellison’s words resonate as a call to action for all those who believe in the promise of a more inclusive and just society. The future of American democracy depends on the choices we make today, and we must choose wisely.
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