The Minneapolis East African community made up of hardworking, law-abiding families has already been carrying the weight of unfair scrutiny for years. Chief Brian O’Hara’s recent remarks, which appeared to generalize East African youth as linked to crime, deepen that burden. When language like this comes from someone in a trusted leadership position, it does more than disappoint it creates genuine fear. Parents worry about how their children will be judged when they walk to school, go to the store, or simply spend time with friends. Young people worry that others will see a label instead of seeing them.

Most East African residents contribute daily to Minneapolis as small-business owners, students, workers, caregivers, and neighbors. Yet families repeatedly share stories of being followed in stores, questioned unfairly, or treated with suspicion in spaces where they should feel safe. Remarks that generalize an entire community especially a minority community do not stay as words. They fuel stereotypes that already make daily life harder: the extra anxiety when a child leaves the house, the cautiousness in public, the constant effort to prove they belong. These words add to a hostile environment that East African families are already working so hard to navigate.

This harm is not limited to one community. When minority communities hear themselves spoken about in broad, negative terms, it deepens mistrust and reinforces the belief that they are not seen or valued. The impact of such language reaches across neighborhoods and generations.

We are asking Chief O’Hara to publicly acknowledge the harm his words caused and issue a sincere, clear apology. Taking responsibility is not about blame it is about healing. It is an essential step toward rebuilding trust, showing respect to East African and minority communities, and demonstrating a real commitment to fairness, dignity, and understanding for all Minneapolis residents.