Taking Back Pride 2020
We need event volunteers and donations of water and snacks. Click here to sign up!
“It is our duty to fight for our freedom.
It is our duty to win.
We must love each other and support each other.
We have nothing to lose but our chains.” - Assata Shakur
Please wear a mask if you're able to.
- Free masks available for anyone who needs one.
- No one will be turned away for not wearing one, as we understand not everyone can.
- When we can wear masks, we protect our elders and others who are vulnerable to COVID-19.
Stonewall was an uprising against police brutality. This year we march on the heels of an uprising against police murder in Minneapolis, and in protest of the police murder of trans man, Tony McDade, just a couple weeks ago. This march is explicitly anti-cop and anti-corporate. We are Black-led, trans-led and Left-led.
In that spirit, the front of march and on the stage at Loring will be reserved for our most-impacted community members and organizations that support the demands of the movement.
Who will lead the march? We will prioritize space at the front of the march as follows:
- Black trans/queer/NB folks, along with any loved ones or comrades they wish.
- Black-led movement organizations (we request that BIPOC trans/queer folks of those groups lead their contingents)
- Organizations that endorse the march demands and organizing principles (see below)
Other community members, and organizations that support the march but not every demand may join in behind the leading contingents. Those who cannot agree with every demand/principle can march at the end if they are Black, Trans/Queer/NB, or IPOC. Those hostile to our people and/or our movements will be asked to leave and expected to comply.
March Demands:
- Justice4GeorgeFloyd and all victims of police murder
- Defend Black Trans Folks
- Community Control of the Police
- Free all political prisoners and the wrongfully incarcerated
March organizing principles (AKA the St. Paul Principles)
- Our solidarity will be based on respect for a diversity of tactics and the plans of other groups.
- The actions and tactics used will be organized to maintain a separation of time or space.
- Any debates or criticisms will stay internal to the movement, avoiding any public or media denunciations of fellow activists and events.
- We oppose any state repression of dissent, including surveillance, infiltration, disruption and violence. We agree not to assist law enforcement actions against activists and others.
If your group would like to join the front of the march, please contact TCC4J at justice4jamar@gmail.com. Affirm that you support the posted march demands and organizing principles, and we’ll reserve your spot!
10:00 | Revolutionary Dance Party (and march line-up) @ 4th Street & Hennepin Avenue, in downtown Minneapolis
- There is a lot of construction right there. If you cannot navigate that, there is accessible/alternative gathering space on Nicollet & 4th, by the library.
- If you want to reserve a spot at the front of the march, email TCC4J confirming that your group meets the criteria outlined above.
11am | March steps off
11:30 (estimated) | Rallying point at Peavey Plaza (across from WCCO)
- Folks who want to support the march by cheering/watching can gather here
- This is also the starting point for folks who need a shorter route (including disabled folx or kiddos)
12 (estimated) | Power to the People Stage in Loring Park
- Performers and speakers
- Free water, snacks and even ice cream!
- Volunteers to help with kids at the playground
3pm | Dance party!
4pm | Event close
*** Coming soon **
Hello, everyone! We want to again emphasize that, while centering BIPOC LGBT folks, this march is inclusive of everybody. We want to make sure that those who wish to attend this march have the ability to. Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the accessibility of the march/gathering afterwards. If you have individual accessibility questions or concerns, please email us and someone from the Accessibility Team will get back to you.
Q: Will there be bathrooms? If so, where will they be located?
A: Yes. Everything is being set up in the southeast corner of the park, but we don’t yet know the exact spot for these. We’ll try to update when we know, or look for an event volunteer to direct you.
Q: Will there be food/water provided?
A: Water will be provided throughout the day. Vehicles with the march will have water. At the park, there will be a tent with water and some individually-packaged snacks. There will also be a small ice cream cart. All of these will be free.
Q: Are masks required? Will they be provided?
A: Masks are not required, but are encouraged in order to protect our elders and those who are vulnerable to COVID. Masks will be provided by volunteers throughout the day.
Q: Is there a space for children?
A: Yes! There will be a Kids' Zone at the mid-point rally at Peavey Park (for those who want to march a shorter distance) and at Loring Park. Look for signs for "Kids' Zone & Rally Point." At Loring Park, the kids' zone will be near the play ground.
Q: Is there a low sensory space?
A: While we don’t have a dedicated space for this, we recommend heading to the garden near the center of the park. It’s distance from the stage will make it quieter and less crowded, and there are benches.
Q: Will the march be livestreamed?
A: Yes! Twin Cities Coalition for Justice 4 Jamar will be livestreaming at fb.com/tcc4j, both the march and the program at the park. The livestream will include captions.
Q: Will there be interpreters at the march/at Loring Park?
A: There will be ASL interpreters both during the march on the stage at the park.
Q: What is the route for the march?
A: For the longer route (1.3 miles), we will begin at 400 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN. For the shorter route (.8 miles), you can meet us at Peavey Plaza at S 11th St. and Nicollet. We will be walking to Loring Park. You can expect 30+ minutes of standing (or dancing) before march, about half an hour march to the midpoint, about half an hour standing at the midpoint, and then about half an hour march to the park.
Route: 4th Street -> Nicollet Ave -> Grant Street -> Willow Street -> 15th St -> Enter Loring Park
Q: Will there be seats/wheelchairs?
A: A limited number of seats will be available near the stage in the park, including several that have a higher weight capacity. We have not secured wheelchairs.
Q: How can I join the march if I can’t walk distances?
There will be a shuttle bus for those who need to take a break while marching or who need to ride the whole way. The shuttle will also be available for rides back to the start of the march.
There is also a rallying point mid-march, and you can start with us there, at Peavey Plaza, at 11th & Nicollet. That starting point is also recommended for smaller children.
If you have individual accessibility questions or concerns, please email us and someone from the Accessibility Team will get back to you.