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SWAE Mpls

@swaempls.bsky.social

The Southwest Alliance for Equity (SWAE) is a group of SW Minneapolis residents taking individual and collective anti-racist action for a more equitable city. linktr.ee/swaempls

1,204 Followers  |  509 Following  |  40 Posts  |  Joined: 09.01.2024  |  2.2434

Latest posts by swaempls.bsky.social on Bluesky

Thousands of voters in Minneapolis have already cast their ballot in person or by mail.

You can help increase voter turnout attending the city’s one-day pop-up tomorrow at the Midtown Global Market (920 E. Lake St Minneapolis 55407). 2/

*This is being reposted from CM Chavez’s Official Accounts*

23.10.2025 20:59 β€” πŸ‘ 4    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
EARLY VOTING POP-UP! October 24
Midtown Global Market Central Court
β€’ Language Services
β€’ Ballot Drop Off
β€’ Same Day Registration
11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

vote.minneapolismn.gov
Vote early in the 2025
Municipal Election!
Open to all Minneapolis voters

EARLY VOTING POP-UP! October 24 Midtown Global Market Central Court β€’ Language Services β€’ Ballot Drop Off β€’ Same Day Registration 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. vote.minneapolismn.gov Vote early in the 2025 Municipal Election! Open to all Minneapolis voters

Pop-up Voting Location at the Midtown Global Market on October 24, 2025 (11AM-6PM)!

Voters, make your plan for the voting option that works best for you. You can vote early in person or by mail, or you can vote at your polling place on Election Day, Nov. 4.

1/

23.10.2025 20:59 β€” πŸ‘ 10    πŸ” 8    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 0
Photo of about 20 people, including Sen. Omar Fateh, Jazz Hampton, and CM Emily Koski, standing around and chatting in a community room.

Photo of about 20 people, including Sen. Omar Fateh, Jazz Hampton, and CM Emily Koski, standing around and chatting in a community room.

A table with campaign literature for Omar Fateh, DeWayne Davis, Jazz Hampton, Eric Harris Bernstein, Michael Wilson, and Soren Stevenson, along with combined "Slate for Change" literature.

A table with campaign literature for Omar Fateh, DeWayne Davis, Jazz Hampton, Eric Harris Bernstein, Michael Wilson, and Soren Stevenson, along with combined "Slate for Change" literature.

Getting ready to get the word out to #Rank3forChange across Southwest! πŸŽ‰

@swaempls.bsky.social @omarfatehmn.com @dewayneforminneapolis.com @jazzformayor.bsky.social

23.10.2025 22:16 β€” πŸ‘ 17    πŸ” 3    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 2

πŸ—³οΈTomorrow!πŸ•

Please join us to help get the word out about how to #Rank3forChange in Southwest Minneapolis.

We will be spreading out to canvass across parts of wards 8, 11, and 13 and then meeting up to eat and debrief with the candidates.

RSVP: www.eventbrite.com/e/october-sw...

22.10.2025 16:26 β€” πŸ‘ 6    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 1

if you want non-terrible RCV advice, watch josh on the @wedge.live podcast today

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISAe...

16.10.2025 14:17 β€” πŸ‘ 11    πŸ” 6    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Southwest Alliance for Equity 
Joint doorknock: Rank 3 for Change
Join DeWayne, Jazz and Omar for a joint doorknock in Southwest Minneapolis, followed by a pizza party
Thursday, October 23rd
100 W. 46th Street
5-7 pm Doorknock 
7 pm Debrief with candidates

With all 3 candidates, elected officials, and lots of neighbors! 12 days to go!

Southwest Alliance for Equity Joint doorknock: Rank 3 for Change Join DeWayne, Jazz and Omar for a joint doorknock in Southwest Minneapolis, followed by a pizza party Thursday, October 23rd 100 W. 46th Street 5-7 pm Doorknock 7 pm Debrief with candidates With all 3 candidates, elected officials, and lots of neighbors! 12 days to go!

Join us next Thursday, October 23rd, at 5pm to help spread the word across Southwest about our great candidates for Mayor: @jazzformayor.bsky.social, @omarfatehmn.com, and @dewayneforminneapolis.com!

RSVP: www.eventbrite.com/e/october-sw...

15.10.2025 18:25 β€” πŸ‘ 13    πŸ” 9    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 1
Preview
Gun safety organizing accelerates in Minneapolis following the Annunciation shooting Annunciation parents, elected officials, and concerned residents met Sept. 25 to share stories and learn about Minnesota’s political landscape.

Nice write-up of a recent @swaempls.bsky.social event

www.southwestvoices.news/posts/gun-le...

06.10.2025 01:58 β€” πŸ‘ 4    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Legislative Directive By Wonsley and Chavez
Pursuant to City Charter Section 7.1(h)(2), the Minneapolis City Council, in support of its official legislative, policymaking, and oversight functions, does request from the Mayor an update on the internal review made by MPD regarding the shooting of Davis Moturi, including any internal operational or policy changes taken by MPD in response to the review.
Present the requested information to be received and filed to the Public Health & Safety Committee, no later than October 29, 2026.

Legislative Directive By Wonsley and Chavez Pursuant to City Charter Section 7.1(h)(2), the Minneapolis City Council, in support of its official legislative, policymaking, and oversight functions, does request from the Mayor an update on the internal review made by MPD regarding the shooting of Davis Moturi, including any internal operational or policy changes taken by MPD in response to the review. Present the requested information to be received and filed to the Public Health & Safety Committee, no later than October 29, 2026.

The committee forwarded a legislative directive asking for an update from MPD on their internal review of the mishandling of Moturi's case and what has changed since. Moturi noted that MPD was reported in April to have conducted a "thorough review" and begun implementing changes.

03.10.2025 06:00 β€” πŸ‘ 43    πŸ” 8    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 0
Hi Council Members,
My name is Davis Moturi. In October 2024, I was shot in the neck by my neighbor John Sawchak after dozens of attempts to get help from MPD the year prior.
I'm writing to you today to ask that the City of Minneapolis make public, the results of MPD's review of the Department's handling of my case and any changes they have made to their
procedures based on the results of their review.
In an MPR article by Cari Spencer in April a spokesperson from MPD revealed that "MPD has conducted a thorough review of the violent incident." They also shared that the Department is "committed to implementing necessary changes, procedures and partnerships to address any identified gaps when these reviews are concluded."
If they have made changes based on the results of their internal review, the public should know

Hi Council Members, My name is Davis Moturi. In October 2024, I was shot in the neck by my neighbor John Sawchak after dozens of attempts to get help from MPD the year prior. I'm writing to you today to ask that the City of Minneapolis make public, the results of MPD's review of the Department's handling of my case and any changes they have made to their procedures based on the results of their review. In an MPR article by Cari Spencer in April a spokesperson from MPD revealed that "MPD has conducted a thorough review of the violent incident." They also shared that the Department is "committed to implementing necessary changes, procedures and partnerships to address any identified gaps when these reviews are concluded." If they have made changes based on the results of their internal review, the public should know


If they have made changes based on the results of their internal review, the public should know what changes they've made and what specifically from their handling of the case led them to make those changes. If they are not making any changes based on their review, the public should know why they won't begin that process if, by their own admission, there are "necessary changes" that need to be implemented. I recently learned of the murder of Mariah Samuels, and noticed that both of our cases are eerily similar. A black person in fear for their lives, and a
department who can't be bothered to forward a case for consideration of charges in our time of greatest need. The community and I deserve answers- and accountability.
I look forward to your response.
Davis Moturi

If they have made changes based on the results of their internal review, the public should know what changes they've made and what specifically from their handling of the case led them to make those changes. If they are not making any changes based on their review, the public should know why they won't begin that process if, by their own admission, there are "necessary changes" that need to be implemented. I recently learned of the murder of Mariah Samuels, and noticed that both of our cases are eerily similar. A black person in fear for their lives, and a department who can't be bothered to forward a case for consideration of charges in our time of greatest need. The community and I deserve answers- and accountability. I look forward to your response. Davis Moturi

Davis Moturi email to city council, read aloud by CM Wonsley Wednesday. Sees similarity between his case & Mariah Samuels: "A black person in fear for their lives, and a department who can't be bothered to forward a case for consideration of charges in our time of greatest need."

03.10.2025 06:00 β€” πŸ‘ 88    πŸ” 29    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 2
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Join me tonight for this conversation hosted by the Southwest Alliance for Equity @swaempls.bsky.social!

I’ll be leading a communal art making / banner-painting workshop.

Grateful to SWAE and @momsdemand.bsky.social for their organizing work on this. Together, we can end gun violence in Minnesota.

25.09.2025 17:54 β€” πŸ‘ 4    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

I’m going to try and be there to represent Kenny neighborhood voices!

25.09.2025 17:19 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Southwest Alliance for Equity
Gun Violence Prevention in Minnesota: An Update and Community Conversation 
Thursday, September 25th
100 W 46th Street 
7-9pm

A photo on the right shows people marching holding signs that say We can end gun violence.

Southwest Alliance for Equity Gun Violence Prevention in Minnesota: An Update and Community Conversation Thursday, September 25th 100 W 46th Street 7-9pm A photo on the right shows people marching holding signs that say We can end gun violence.

Tonight! 7-9pm

Join us for a community conversation about what we all can do to help prevent gun violence with elected officials, policy experts, and special guests.

RSVP: www.eventbrite.com/e/sept-swae-...

25.09.2025 14:12 β€” πŸ‘ 4    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 2

The East Phillips Urban Farm project is once again at due to the action and inaction of Mayor Frey.

Please join us in contacting @mayorjacobfrey.bsky.social to request that he follow through on his past commitments to environmental justice and schedule a meeting with @epni-urbanfarm.bsky.social.

02.09.2025 23:13 β€” πŸ‘ 6    πŸ” 6    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
EPNI Statement on our canceled meeting with the Mayor β€” East Phillips Neighborhood Institute β€œIt’s deeply disappointing given we are a mere three weeks away from the original closing date in the purchase agreement,” said Karen Clark, former State Legislator and EPNI board member, β€œAfter waiti...

Read EPNI's full statement here:
www.epnifarm.org/news/epni-st...

26.08.2025 22:49 β€” πŸ‘ 4    πŸ” 5    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
An update* on EPNI’s 
canceled meeting 
with the mayor
Over the weekend, the Mayor’s office canceled a meeting with EPNI scheduled for 8/25 about a change to the purchase agreement for the Roof Depot site, which EPNI proposed on 6/27.

β€œIt’s deeply disappointing given we are a mere three weeks away from the original closing date in the purchase agreement. After waiting two long months, we were looking forward to finally hearing the Mayor’s intentions around the future of the Roof Depot site.” 
- Karen Clark, former State Legislator and EPNI board member
*EPNI’s full statement linked in our bio

An update* on EPNI’s canceled meeting with the mayor Over the weekend, the Mayor’s office canceled a meeting with EPNI scheduled for 8/25 about a change to the purchase agreement for the Roof Depot site, which EPNI proposed on 6/27. β€œIt’s deeply disappointing given we are a mere three weeks away from the original closing date in the purchase agreement. After waiting two long months, we were looking forward to finally hearing the Mayor’s intentions around the future of the Roof Depot site.” - Karen Clark, former State Legislator and EPNI board member *EPNI’s full statement linked in our bio

When the Mayor canceled our meeting, he cited discomfort with a protest planned by the Climate Justice Committee for 8/28 outside of his residence related to the purchase negotiations - an event that EPNI didn’t organize nor endorse, which has since changed in scope, and been moved to a new location. 

EPNI made our offer on 6/27, right after losing pledged legislative funding because we, and the mayor, know well that a purchase this big and complex takes months to finalize.

The Mayor holds the power to negotiate a fair deal and just future for East Phillips. Every day that passes deepens a decades-long legacy of municipal neglect in this neighborhood.

When the Mayor canceled our meeting, he cited discomfort with a protest planned by the Climate Justice Committee for 8/28 outside of his residence related to the purchase negotiations - an event that EPNI didn’t organize nor endorse, which has since changed in scope, and been moved to a new location. EPNI made our offer on 6/27, right after losing pledged legislative funding because we, and the mayor, know well that a purchase this big and complex takes months to finalize. The Mayor holds the power to negotiate a fair deal and just future for East Phillips. Every day that passes deepens a decades-long legacy of municipal neglect in this neighborhood.

After stopping demolition in 2023, EPNI agreed to a purchase price of $15.9 million for the Roof Depot site, 4x higher than the site’s appraised value of $3.7 million. At the time, the State Legislature committed to subsidizing $12.2 mil of the cost, and EPNI was asked to secure $3.7 mil, which we did. 

The state agreed to subsidize that purchase, and pay back money that the city spent on its plan for the Roof Depot site – a plan which had record-breaking public backlash – because state legislators saw how the neighborhood’s vision for the site will bring tax revenue, a strengthened local food system, overdue healing, and countless other benefits to ripple through and beyond East Phillips.

In 2023, legislators did allocate $6.5 million. 
Due to federal funding cuts in 2025, they 
failed to deliver the remaining $5.7 million 
pledged for this year.

After stopping demolition in 2023, EPNI agreed to a purchase price of $15.9 million for the Roof Depot site, 4x higher than the site’s appraised value of $3.7 million. At the time, the State Legislature committed to subsidizing $12.2 mil of the cost, and EPNI was asked to secure $3.7 mil, which we did. The state agreed to subsidize that purchase, and pay back money that the city spent on its plan for the Roof Depot site – a plan which had record-breaking public backlash – because state legislators saw how the neighborhood’s vision for the site will bring tax revenue, a strengthened local food system, overdue healing, and countless other benefits to ripple through and beyond East Phillips. In 2023, legislators did allocate $6.5 million. Due to federal funding cuts in 2025, they failed to deliver the remaining $5.7 million pledged for this year.

β€œSince 2023, EPNI has raised more than $2 million to build a community-owned rooftop solar array with Cooperative Energy Futures, start an environmental remediation process, and construct an outdoor farm on the site’s parking lot. Despite having to navigate massive obstacles and funding losses, we pulled together $10.2 mil for the Roof Depot purchase while making progress toward the community’s vision every day.”
- Daniel Colten-Schmidt, EPNI’s Finance and Fundraising Director

EPNI is as committed as ever to continuing to build this neighborhood’s community-owned urban farm and resiliency hub, to bring fresh food, good jobs and overdue healing to this site. 

We look forward to speaking with the Mayor soon.

β€œSince 2023, EPNI has raised more than $2 million to build a community-owned rooftop solar array with Cooperative Energy Futures, start an environmental remediation process, and construct an outdoor farm on the site’s parking lot. Despite having to navigate massive obstacles and funding losses, we pulled together $10.2 mil for the Roof Depot purchase while making progress toward the community’s vision every day.” - Daniel Colten-Schmidt, EPNI’s Finance and Fundraising Director EPNI is as committed as ever to continuing to build this neighborhood’s community-owned urban farm and resiliency hub, to bring fresh food, good jobs and overdue healing to this site. We look forward to speaking with the Mayor soon.

The Mayor’s office canceled a meeting with EPNI on 8/25 about a change to the Roof Depot purchase agreement, which EPNI proposed on 6/27.

The Mayor holds the power to negotiate a fair deal for East Phillips & each day that passes without reply deepens a long legacy of neglect in this neighborhood.

26.08.2025 22:42 β€” πŸ‘ 8    πŸ” 5    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 3
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‼️Testimony Opportunity ‼️ Come to City Hall and let your voice be heard on immigration enforcement in Minneapolis on August 5th at 1:30pm.

30.07.2025 19:32 β€” πŸ‘ 14    πŸ” 8    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 1
Some volunteers learning about IIMN

Some volunteers learning about IIMN

Kicking off our event at the International Institute of MN, creating Welcome Kits for new arrivals to the US (co-sponsored with @swaempls.bsky.social )

28.07.2025 23:23 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

TWIN CITIES PEOPLE, COME THROUGH!!!! THIS THURSDAY NIGHT! A lovely evening with some of my favorite neighborhood organizers in the world.

21.07.2025 22:13 β€” πŸ‘ 6    πŸ” 6    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
July SWAE Gathering-Garrett Bucks Garrett Bucks analyzes this political moment, how to fight against authoritarianism, and how to build a better world through organizing.

Thurs, 7/24, 7pm: join us for a conversation with @garrettbucks.bsky.social on how to organize for a better world in this political moment.

With his success organizing moderate communities for progressive change, Garrett always brings great insights & hope.

RSVP: www.eventbrite.com/e/july-swae-...

21.07.2025 14:06 β€” πŸ‘ 7    πŸ” 3    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 1

Tonight!

Can't make it? You can still support the Urban Farm by donating and contacting @mayorjacobfrey.bsky.social and your Council Member to urge them to keep negotiating with EPNI!

Donate: actionnetwork.org/fundraising/...

Background & proposed script: docs.google.com/document/d/1...

10.07.2025 16:01 β€” πŸ‘ 8    πŸ” 5    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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It was great to join @swaempls.bsky.social at their recent event, The Mayor’s Record. Community members heard directly from current and former city staff, as well as community leaders, about how the Mayor has failed to build an equitable city for all residents over his eight-year tenure.

03.07.2025 00:10 β€” πŸ‘ 40    πŸ” 9    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 1
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What gives me hope about Minneapolis is people at the @swaempls.bsky.social saying the status quo isn't working, and we want a better, just community. @dewayneforminneapolis.com

27.06.2025 01:50 β€” πŸ‘ 547    πŸ” 69    πŸ’¬ 4    πŸ“Œ 2
Preview
Southwest Alliance for Equity Newsletter | Substack Neighbors for a more inclusive, equitable Minneapolis. Click to read Southwest Alliance for Equity Newsletter, a Substack publication with thousands of subscribers.

Learn more about our future events!
Sign up for our newsletter here -->

swaempls.substack.com

We can create a more equitable, peaceful Minneapolis β™₯️

27.06.2025 01:34 β€” πŸ‘ 5    πŸ” 3    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 1
Some amazing community leaders β™₯️

Some amazing community leaders β™₯️

Thank you to the amazing breakout leaders assisting us tonight ✊

27.06.2025 01:20 β€” πŸ‘ 10    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Kristen Simmons Ingle kicks things off.

Kristen Simmons Ingle kicks things off.

Heather Silsbee describes the mayor's record.

Heather Silsbee describes the mayor's record.

After @kristen-ingle.bsky.social kicks things off, neighbors hear from board member @hsilsbee.bsky.social about Mayor Frey's record.

27.06.2025 00:42 β€” πŸ‘ 11    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 2
Audience at Meraki Community Center

Audience at Meraki Community Center

Audience at Meraki Community Center

Audience at Meraki Community Center

Getting ready to start our program on Mayor Frey's record!

27.06.2025 00:37 β€” πŸ‘ 14    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Tomorrow! Come learn about Mayor Jacob Frey's record on key issues and discuss your thoughts and questions with your neighbors and expert community leaders.

RSVP: www.eventbrite.com/e/june-swae-...

25.06.2025 16:27 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Part of this event (Thurs, 6/26) will be me presenting *a lot* of research I've done into Mayor Frey's record. The other half will be breakout groups facilitated by some amazing community leaders for you to ask questions & share your experiences with Frey's administration. You'll want to be there!!

24.06.2025 20:42 β€” πŸ‘ 22    πŸ” 12    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 1

Helping put together events focused on serving immigrants and refugees ‡️

getinvolved.acslaw.org/component/ev...

Co-sponsored by @swaempls.bsky.social -- space is limited

23.06.2025 04:01 β€” πŸ‘ 4    πŸ” 3    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

If you want to help the Depot, we just decided to do extra outreach this weekend! Freezees and cold and frozen water, plus straight up Ziploc bags of ice. Completely solid bottles of water inside your shirt is a pretty effective personal AC
Venmo & PayPal SupplyDepotMpls
Cashapp SanctuarySupplyDepot

20.06.2025 01:18 β€” πŸ‘ 59    πŸ” 37    πŸ’¬ 4    πŸ“Œ 2

@swaempls is following 20 prominent accounts