On Friday, members of New York City’s influential teachers union plan to wear black in a show of support for Minneapolis following the tragic shooting of Renee Nicole Good, and they’re calling for ICE to withdraw from the area.
The United Federation of Teachers has urged educators, staff, and community members to participate in a national day of action to protest federal immigration enforcement that has reportedly targeted students, teachers, and immigrants near local schools, as tensions in the Twin Cities escalate.
In Minneapolis, where Ms. Good served as a substitute teacher, union members are specifically encouraged to dress in black to demonstrate “solidarity” with their colleagues.
Participants are also invited to gather for a group photo to share on social media. A reminder was sent to union members Thursday night, requesting them to wear black, as seen in screenshots shared with the media.
“In solidarity with our union members in Minneapolis, please remember to wear black tomorrow, January 23rd,” read an email directed at teachers in the Bronx.
After classes, members can join Stand With Minneapolis marches alongside other unions throughout New York City, as detailed in the announcement.
This demonstration is set to conclude at 4:30 p.m., moving from the north end of Union Square to Bryant Park. Union officials have also encouraged members to sign a petition from Minnesota educators urging ICE to stay out of schools in the state.
The UFT passed a resolution on Wednesday advocating for an “emergency day of demonstration and action.” The tragedy that sparked this response occurred after Ms. Good, a 37-year-old mother and outspoken anti-ICE activist, was killed during a protest on January 7, when she was struck by a vehicle driven by an immigration judge amidst violent confrontations.
The recent unrest has significantly impacted Minneapolis, leading to numerous demonstrations and clashes between immigration enforcement and protesters. Following these events, the Department of Homeland Security has dispatched thousands of additional ICE agents to the unrest-affected areas.
