Thank you, Minnesota.
In a moment of darkness, you stood for us. When fear gripped our community and many of us were hiding, you walked, stood in the cold, braved the chill of winter nights and cloudy days without the warmth of the sun. You showed up in large numbers to protest, to grieve and to call for accountability. You took the bullets for us as true friends, friends closer than brothers.
When federal enforcement operations in Minneapolis escalated into tragedy, including the fatal shootings of Renée Good and Alex Pretti, our hearts were broken and our spirits shaken. Renée and Alex died for our common humanity.
We wept in private for you, while your blood spilled in the streets. Minnesota, you mourned in the streets, in parks, in prayer vigils, on sidewalks and around kitchen tables with neighbors. You prayed, protested and held space for our grief. When words failed, your presence spoke. When sorrow threatened silence, you raised your voice.
They say they came for criminals, but they threatened us all. They were ruthless, but you were fearless, Minnesota. Our children asked why they were not going to school and parents not going to work. Locked behind closed doors, they requested to go to the parks; parents found the excuse – it is too cold outside. Can I go sledding then, they inquired, and the mother slurred in response. Mommy, there is no food in the house, they cried. Our neighbors are coming, they will deliver food to us, Daddy answered. Why can’t we go out to buy our own food like we’ve always done, the children insisted. Go in your rooms and play your games, the parents ordered, knowing they couldn’t win.
They were inhumane toward us, but you showed humanity toward us. You welcomed grieving family members, supported memorials, organized vigils and demanded accountability, not just from law enforcement, but from all of us as a community. In doing so, you demonstrated what it means to love your neighbor, even when that neighbor is being ignored, misunderstood or overlooked.
America is a nation of immigrants. Some families arrived generations ago; others like mine are first-generation newcomers still finding their footing. Yet we all share one story: We came here because we believed in a promise, a promise of opportunity, of dignity, of safety, and of hope. We left our native homelands to seek greener pastures on the strength of America’s ideals and the generosity of its people. Whether that journey took place a century ago or just a few years back, we all assemble here in our diversity, and that is what makes this country great.
Many of us work at the foundation to give some others a great life at the top. We are teachers, caretakers, nurses, doctors, cab drivers, restaurant workers and neighbors. We are contributors to the greatness of America, and what happened in Minnesota reminded us that when we are threatened, we are not alone.
Your courage in facing long lines of federal officers, your willingness to shout in our name, and your refusal to hide your grief and anger, all of this will not be forgotten. You protected us not with weapons, but with witness; not with force, but with faith in our shared humanity.
We honor the memories of Renée Good and Alex Pretti. Their deaths shook this state and the nation. Good, remembered for her love and community engagement. Pretti, described by his parents as “exceptionally kind,” a 37-year-old ICU nurse whose last acts were of care and compassion, simply protecting another person, but he lost his life.
For many of us, their names will be etched in our hearts forever. We wept for you in private spaces, and we mourned together in public. Your blood flowed in the streets, and our collective tears flowed for you. You were young. You had many years ahead. Yet you stood up for those who were running and hiding. That is courage. That is Minnesota.
Thank you, Minnesota. Thank you for walking with us, for speaking with us and for standing with us when it mattered most. Your witness will long be remembered, not just for what you opposed, but for what you affirmed: our worth, our dignity, and our place in this community.
Kenety S. Gee is an ordained minister, a global health professional, author and public speaker. He works as a Global Workforce Strategist. He lives in Coon Rapids with his family.
