Rise & Remember

10/08/2026

I don’t want own any rights to the music playing in the background .
As I was walking through the memorial today, I ran into a man wearing a shirt that said “White Men for Racial Justice.” He told me his name is Brad. He had a beautiful flower plant with him, and when he told me he had several more plants he wanted to bring and give to the memorial, I was so excited! 🌱❤️
He wanted to know where he could park so he could get the plants close enough to carry them in, and we were able to find a spot nearby.
You know, when I walk into the memorial, I never know what I’m going to walk into or what I’m going to see people doing. Most of the time, I see the flowers and plants after someone has already placed them.
So today was special because I caught the moment before the offering was made. I got to see him carrying it in his hands and hear the story behind why he was bringing more.
There is just something special about that. ❤️
People come from different places, with different stories, but they bring something with them to say, “I care. I was here.”
And today, I was there to witness that beautiful moment. 🌱❤️
”

10/07/2026

Today, a woman and her husband from Pittsburgh visited the Memorial with a beautiful purple flower.

Usually, I see offerings after people have left. Today, I got to witness the love behind one. She was carrying more than a flower. She was carrying hope.

Through her tears, she spoke about voting, moving forward, and never giving up. I told her, “Keep hope contagious.”

Dr. Raj, whose commitment to this community I deeply admire, reminded me of what people continue to give to the Memorial: their time, art, music, prayers, and love.

Since losing my nephew George, I have witnessed more love than I ever imagined possible.

The pain is real. The loss is real. But so is the love that continues to grow.

Keep hope alive. Keep moving forward. Keep hope contagious.

10/07/2026

10/06/2026

Democracy is a team sport.

TOMORROW, October 6, NAACP, 100 Black Men Of America, Inc., The National Urban League, Black Men Vote, and Woke Vote are convening a national organizing call to mobilize Black men ahead of election season.

This working session is for leaders, organizers, chapters, members, and partners to prepare to turn relationships into action.

On the agenda: national strategy, upcoming activations, and organizing resources.

RSVP today: https://naacp.org/events/national-black-man-voter-day-rally-call

10/06/2026

Lilian Chebii, 32, of Kenya, won the Twin Cities Marathon on Sunday, breaking a women’s record that stood for 25 years. Chebii ran two hours, 25 minutes, 26 seconds – nearly 90 seconds faster than the previous mark held by two women.

Read more: https://www.startribune.com/live-a-record-setting-twin-cities-marathon-weekend-heads-into-its-main-event/601895002

10/06/2026

Everybody deserves to be free.
One of my favorite songs the Brass Solidarity Band plays is “Everybody Deserves to Be Free.” Every time I hear it, it stirs something deep inside me.
I grew up knowing my ancestors had been enslaved. My great-grandparents were born into slavery, and my grandparents were the first generation in my family born free. Although I was born free, I was taught early what I could not do or say because I was Black. Before I could fully discover my possibilities, I was already learning my limitations. There were opportunities I was taught not to expect, no matter how hard I worked.

To reach for more, I had to unlearn those limits. I had to remind myself that I was worthy, that I belonged, and that I had every right to pursue the life I wanted. Yet I still had to push harder because of my race.
Freedom means more to me than the absence of physical chains. It means breaking the chains of the mind—the fear that can remain long after the shackles are gone. It means using the strength God gave me without being afraid to speak, to dream, or to take up space in this world.
When I hear “Everybody Deserves to Be Free,” I think of my ancestors. I think of what they endured and the possibilities they never had. And I remind myself that I deserve to live fully in the freedom they dreamed of.

10/06/2026

Mileesha always brings love to every event! She was among the many community members who came out for Bowls and Spoons on Saturday, October 3. It was wonderful to see everyone come together and share in the joy of community.

10/06/2026

Brass Solidarity Band at George Floyd Square! They are at the Square every Monday playing beauiful music that brings joy to our souls!

10/05/2026

It was truly beautiful to see the Bowls & Spoons Harvest Feast at George Floyd Square.
This was the second year of this special event, and I really loved seeing how much work and creativity went into it. The Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center made the beautiful hand-forged spoons, and community members came together to make the bowls.
There was something really special about seeing the food, the bowls, the spoons, the art, and the people all come together. It wasn’t just about sharing a meal—it was about bringing the community together and celebrating what we can create when we all contribute our gifts.
I’m grateful to have been there and to witness such a beautiful community gathering. ❤️

race

06/03/2026

As America continues to wrestle with our freedom of speech and of the press, Rise & Remember hosted a timely conversation on Our Fight for Racial Justice and Our First Amendment Rights during our festival on Sunday, May 24th. Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder reports on the event.

Perry Talks racial justice 2026 brings Malcolm Kenyatta and Tracey Williams-Dillard together near George Floyd Square.