Author: Royce White

Sunday, June 12, 2020 – 10K Foundation partnered with Justice Squad, Take A Knee, and Freedom Fighters to demand justice for the families who’s children have fallen victim to police brutality. 180 families were in attendance including the loved ones of Philando Castile, Brian Quiñones, and Breonna Taylor. Approximately 5,000 change makers peacefully marched in support of the families from the corner of Dale St. and University Ave. in St. Paul to the Minnesota State Capitol. Together, the families, change makers, and organizers filled the streets with music and chants, making sure the message was heard.

Emotionally moving speeches were made by several family members upon the groups arrival at the Minnesota State Capitol.

The 10K “March for Mothers” occurred without incident, allowing the 180 families and 5,000 change makers a safe space to come together in grieving while they marched for justice.

“I say it with a sad sense of the disparity between us. I am not included within the pale of glorious anniversary! Your high independence only reveals the immeasurable distance between us. The blessings in which you, this day, rejoice, are not enjoyed in common. The rich inheritance of justice, liberty, prosperity and independence, bequeathed by your fathers, is shared by you, not by me. The sunlight that brought light and healing to you, has brought stripes and death to me. This Fourth July is yours, not mine. You may rejoice, I must mourn…”

–Frederick Douglass

On Saturday, July 4th, 2020, the 10K Foundation observed the 4th of July in a manner fitting for the true spirit of the Holiday. The 4th of July is a day of independence, yet that independence still to this day does not fully apply to all people of all skin colors. To raise awareness to this truth, a silent march was held. 

Protestors of all genders, skin colors, and sexual orientations marched through the streets of Minneapolis, dragging chains as they went. A red banner of SOVEREIGNTY was displayed in the light of thousands of sparklers in front of the Federal Reserve, before the march crossed Stone Arch Bridge. Chants broke the silence as the Free people made their way to St. Anthony Main, where the event culminated with music, speakers, food, and the biggest firework show held in downtown Minneapolis this year.

On Sunday, 10K continued to apply pressure to the system with the “New America” march. A passionate group of Protestors, accompanied by the Freedom Fighters, marched from the Mall of America to the memorial site at 38th and Chicago. This march saw the 10K team take to the suburban streets for the first time, and they were met with cheers and support from many local residents, with some even joining in the March themselves.

The marathon continues this weekend as 10K supports the “Mothers March Against Police Violence,” and takes the fight to the Capitol in St. Paul The march will begin at 12 PM at Dale and University. Further details will be revealed at a 10K press conference held on Saturday at 12 PM, Moxy Hotel Downtown.

Special thanks to the following groups for their ongoing support of the 10K Movement:

Freedom Fighters

Men In Black Security

Families Supporting Families Against Police Brutality

And More…

On Saturday, June 25, 2020, the 10K Foundation team kicked off a weekend of service and solidarity with the pride community by passing out over 100,000 popsicles in North Minneapolis, in partnership with the Sanneh Foundation. Later that day, 10K marched through downtown Minneapolis with the Women’s March. The night was capped off with a 10K block party in uptown

On Sunday morning, 10K stood in solidarity with the LGBTQ community at a beautifully orchestrated pride parade and pride fest in Loring park. After passing out nearly 200 Black Pride t-shirts and another pallet full of popsicles, the weekend was bookended with the Floyd Fest, co-hosted by 10K, featuring local vendors, voter registration, and performances by local artists.

Going into a big 4th of July weekend, 10K Foundation is optimistic that the forward momentum created in June over four marches and countless demonstrations will continue. This moment of opportunity requires each and every one of us to decide not only how we will react to these injustices, but how will we change the system that tolerates them.

July 4th we are expected to celebrate America’s independence. We would like to come together in a push for true sovereignty and solidarity. We will come together on a national holiday that puts so much emphasis on the American flag and all the values it claims to represent.

On the evening of July 4th, we will be marching through the streets of downtown Minneapolis and kneeling together on one of America’s most revered holidays. George Floyd’s case is not over. Breonna Taylor’s has no arrests. After the march there will be a huge art installation revealed in their honor. 

On Saturday, June 13, 2020, at 4 p.m., 10K led another march through the streets of Minneapolis. Starting at U.S. Bank Stadium, about 1,500 marched past First Avenue to continue drawing attention to racial injustice and police brutality and to honor the memory of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and all those who have lost their lives at the hands of the police.

The diverse crowd marched along with security cars and bikes while chanting and singing. Despite the smaller crowd compared to previous marches, Saturday’s “Free North” March felt even more cohesive as everyone as able to hear the organizers and join in the calls for justice. At the end of the March, protesters celebrated together with food trucks, music, speakers, and fireworks.

10K is a nonprofit that formed within 2 weeks of the tragic murder of George Floyd and plans to continue in the fight to bring justice and awareness to racial injustices. Organizers say that while there may not always be marches, their hope is to continue the conversation as long as necessary.

On Saturday, June 20th, 10K Foundation will be launching our next initiative “10k Feeds 10K.” We will be donating hot meals and non-perishables to local homeless shelters and community organizations during the day, followed by a meet and greet with community leaders and 10K foundation at the Gym for productive conversations about what’s next for our community. 4 PM at TightenUp BodySculpting:

2908 Harriet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408.

On Friday, June 5, 2020, at 4 p.m., approximately 20,000 people marched peacefully from US Bank Stadium to the place of George Floyd’s death, 38th and Chicago,  Minneapolis, MN, to honor his memory and to continue the fight for justice and sovereignty.

 The mission of the 10K “Unfinished Business” March was to create a peaceful and safe environment for people to protest after the 10K “No Bail” March was violently interrupted by a speeding gas truck on March 31, 2020.

In response to the extremely dangerous situation that occurred during the 10K “No Bail” March on March 31, 2020, as well as concerns regarding the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the organizers of the 10K “Unfinished Business” March drastically increased safety and public health measures for protesters. This included providing masks and individual water bottles, adding bike and car patrol to the route, as well as sharing the intended marching route with local law enforcement.

The 10K “Unfinished Business” March occurred without incident and allowed approximately 20,000 protesters a safe space to peacefully march for justice and sovereignty throughout Minneapolis.

Now, the 10K Foundation is organizing another march for Saturday, June 13th, at 4:00pm. The 10K “Free North” March will again start at US Bank Stadium, this time gathering in support and urgency for the conviction of George Floyd’s murderers and for charges to be brought for the murderers of Breonna Taylor.

We will be holding our own press conference at 12PM on Friday, June 12th, at the downtown Breakfast Bar. Members of the media will be invited to join.

The 10k “No Bail” March proved to be successful as it created a positive environment for peaceful protesters seeking justice. While on I-35W, after thousands of people took a knee in silence for George Floyd, a gas truck maneuvered around the Minnesota Department of Transportation barricades/police checkpoints into the crowd, putting the protesters in immediate danger. Fortunately, all of the men, women, and children were able to move quickly so that they were not injured or killed by the speeding gas truck. Out of anger and fear the driver was pulled out of the truck. A confrontation ensued, but many of the peaceful protesters intervened to stop the violence as they remembered the call for responsibility and accountability prior to marching. Immediately after this dangerous incident, the protesters left the bridge to ensure their safety. Prior to the truck maneuver, no other disruptions occurred.

The Organizers Announcement After The March

The organizers of the protest wish to announce their heartfelt disappointment with the dangerous turn of events that took place and are saddened that thousands of human lives were put in danger. This sadness is compounded by the fact that the protesters were fighting for rights that shouldn’t even be a conversation in 2020. The sacrifice of those who chose to rally in accordance with the values and purpose of this protest will not go unnoticed and will continue to inspire our future work together. Thank you to those who came out and risked their lives for the sake of humanity and justice.

We are coordinating another peaceful march for Friday, June 5, 2020, as we will not stop fighting for Black lives. We will not stop fighting the advancement of tyranny. We will gather at U.S. Bank Stadium to commemorate the life of George Floyd, and protest against his murder and the hate and injustice that it represents. This is a call to all human beings to peacefully and strategically band together against policies, practices, and systems that are rooted in institutional racism.

We have prepared for this march with a full safety plan, water, masks, and other PPE essentials. If you would like to contribute to these efforts, please visit 10kfoundation.org. Additionally, we will be holding our own press conference at 11 AM on Friday at the downtown Moxy Hotel. Members of the media will be invited to join.

May 29, 2020 Minneapolis, MN – Just days after the world witnessed the murder of George Floyd by four former Minneapolis police officers, the 10K Foundation led a peaceful protest of approximately 7,500 change makers through the streets of Downtown Minneapolis to demand the immediate termination and arrest of Derek Chauvin, Tou Thao, J. Alexander Kueng, and Thomas Lane.

Prior to marching, protestors met at the U.S. Bank Stadium. Speeches were given by Royce White and Tayo Daniels. Upon marching, the crowd joined in song led by local Twin Cities artists JAKI as well as Javonta Patton. Chants were led by 10K organizers.

This was an incredibly tense time in Minneapolis as riots were taking place throughout the city. The police occupancy was high along with a strong presence from the United States National Guard. Those who chose to fight for justice in the midst of this chaos are commended for their bravery and commitment.