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Minneapolis union leaders and members rally for justice for Jamar Clark

By staff

Jigme Ugen, vice president of SEIU Healthcare MN

Minneapolis, MN – On Nov. 21, more than 200 labor union leaders, members and supporters rallied to demand justice for Jamar Clark at the Minneapolis Police Fourth Precinct, where Black Lives Matter Minneapolis has held a constant presence all week.

The rally, organized on 24-hour notice, brought out union members from across the Twin Cities to stand with the community in North Minneapolis that has been calling for justice since 24-year-old Jamar Clark was shot and killed by police on Nov. 16. With different union banners, jackets and hats on display, the rally was a strong show of solidarity.

Many union members and leaders spoke, including Jigme Ugen (vice president of SEIU Healthcare MN), Kenneth Garnier (AFSCME 34), Carmen Brown (AFSCME 877), Cathy Jones (Branch 9 Letter Carriers), Mary Cathryn Ricker (American Federation of Teachers, international vice president), Alanna Galloway (Communication Workers of America 7250, co-chair, Human Rights and Equity Committee), Dee Xaba (Industrial Workers of the World), Alexis Boxer (John Muir Local 100), Kyle Edwards (AFSCME 3800), KerryJo Felder (Coordinator, People of Color Union Members), and Loretta VanPelt (Welfare Rights Committee and worker in Minneapolis Public Schools).

This week several unions have gone on record in support of the ongoing protests and the call for justice for Jamar, including SEIU Minnesota State Council and AFSCME 3800, among others. Some of these are posted on the new Facebook page, Labor for Justice for Jamar Clark.

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