George Floyd Square, a makeshift memorial to the slain 46-year-old Black man in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is under threat of being cleared. On Tuesday, June 8, crews returned to George Floyd Square and once again cleared barriers to reopen the intersection to traffic, according to MPR News. Shortly before 7 a.m., cars were seen driving through 38th Street and Chicago Avenue. However, attempts by community members were made to reopen George Floyd Square and protect it from traffic. Carts and other items were placed back on the intersection within minutes of the departure of city crews. Last week, an attempt to reopen the intersection to traffic drew many protesters who quickly defended George Floyd Square and called for more community input on the plans.

Sojourner Truth Radio: June 9, 2021 – Voter Suppression, Israel-Palestine, George Floyd Square

Today on Sojourner Truth:

Alarm is growing among Democrats about what they are calling a threat to U.S. democracy. The spate of voter suppression legislation sweeping the nation. Those most impacted are the Democratic Party’s most loyal supporters: Black voters. Not since the Jim Crow Era, before the successes of the Civil Rights movement, have many witnessed such attacks on the right to vote. What’s going on? We speak with Barbara Arnwine, a veteran civil rights and human rights leader and advocate. She is known for her work protecting the right to vote.

Crisis in Israel: is there one? If so, will it have any impact on the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict? A key vote is coming up this Sunday, on whether to approve a new governing coalition that could mean the end of the regime of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. From what some are calling a civil war within Israel to the recent war between Israel and Palestinians that left 256 Palestinians (including 66 children dead) and in Israel 13 people were killed (including 2 children). Our guest is Phyllis Bennis, who directs the New Internationalism Project at The Institute for Policy Studies, focusing on U.S. Middle East and war policy. She also serves on the board of Jewish Voice for Peace. Her most recent books include Understanding the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict.”

Even as protesters hit the streets again in Minneapolis, following the killing of yet another Black man, there is a tug of war between the city and those who want to protect what is known as George Floyd Square. The Square is located at the location where Floyd was killed at the hands of police. What’s involved? We speak with Marcia Howard, a high school English teacher, caretaker and activist based in Minneapolis.