In Meredith Willson’s 1957 Broadway musical “The Music Man” “Professor“ Harold Hill sings, “Well, ya got trouble, my friend, right here. I say, trouble right here in River City.” I think of this song whenever something really bad happens in Minneapolis / St Paul. Now is such a time.
The Twin Cities is where I live. It is my community. I am proud of it. Sometimes in a brutal winter here, a friend or relative will call me and exalt in their own warmer climate. I respond, “Yeah, but we have real weather here.”
I think of the people who live here as “real” people, with few pretensions. They are generally kind, friendly, respectful, and warm. However, if you are a person of color, you may have an entirely different experience including being hassled or even murdered by police. There is much work for us all to do to create a great life for everyone.
Many people here have embraced the idea of change. They are taking on this work. That is what the protests and demonstrations are all about. Their goals are noble, even if there was some initial violence from pent-up rage.
I am at high risk during the pandemic and cannot march with the protesters. Yet I still have responsibility. I have started 2 charities, one which helps people in a financial crisis. And I contribute money to the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund, which does great work in fighting injustice.
As I think about my own “River City,” I am proud to live here. I identify with those hoping to make my city a better place for all of us to live in.
What can you do to make your city a better place to live in?