The Minnesota Association of Marriage and Family Therapy’s (MAMFT) Social Justice Committee is outraged at the tragic killing of Daunte Wright by Brooklyn Center Police. We know his death comes at a time when our community, and especially BIPOC individuals in our community, are already experiencing incredible distress given the emotional weight of the Derek Chauvin trial. We are here to witness the grief and pain experienced by the community, and acknowledge the further trauma being inflicted by the escalated, state-sanctioned violence that is occurring in the form of militarized responses to that grief and pain.

We continue to stand in solidarity with BIPOC people as they face the unending trauma of white supremacy in America. We recognize the added distress this creates for BIPOC MFTs, as they work to support other’s experience of grief and trauma, while grappling with their own pain, anger, and trauma. If you are a BIPOC therapist, serving BIPOC individuals, or are otherwise holding the pain of others impacted, please know that we empathize with how these events weigh on your minds, hearts, and bodies. We also know that empathy and words are not enough. We are committed to keep working to dismantle white supremacy within our organization, as well as in the communities in which we live and work. 

If you are looking for places to process your distress during this time, MAMFT would like to be of support. We know there are community groups already in existence for BIPOC therapists. MAMFT doesn’t want to pretend to lead, where others are already doing the work. MAMFT’s social justice committee has set up the following groups for therapists to process the impact of current events.

If you are looking for ways to be of service to others during this time, want to join in existing supportive community, or are looking to better understand the calls for change, below are some resources.

We know there are so many other organizations doing great work at this time, and we honor all those who work to support others in the face of injustice. Please let us know how we may be of additional support during this incredibly painful time in our community.

In Solidarity,

The MAMFT Social Justice Committee