In a recent government meeting, officials discussed significant steps toward enhancing community engagement and preserving local history in the wake of the unrest following George Floyd's murder. The Department of Race, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging has been finalizing a contract aimed at capturing diverse community voices related to the former Minneapolis 3rd precinct. This initiative, which has been in development for several months, will enable individuals impacted by the events to share their stories, which will be archived at the Library of Congress for future generations.
The selected organization for this project has a notable partnership with the Library of Congress and will facilitate the recording of personal narratives. Participants will receive digital copies of their interviews, ensuring their experiences are preserved and accessible.
City Operations Officer Margaret Anderson Kelleher emphasized the importance of this work, stating it reflects the community's needs and aspirations. As part of the ongoing efforts, the city plans to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a partner to manage a new community space, which will span 8,000 square feet. This space aims to foster social, cultural, and business activities, with the selected partner involved in the design process from the outset.
The initiative underscores a commitment to transparency and collaboration, as officials seek to ensure that community input shapes the future of the area and its historical narrative.