Civil Rights Advocate Jaylani Hussein Gives Testimony during Field Hearing at Minnesota State Capitol

“Don’t tell me that President Trump does not hate Black people.” 

Photo by Georgia Fort

SAINT PAUL — Twenty eight members of the U.S. congress visited the Minnesota state capitol on January 16, a little over a week from when Renee Good was killed by ICE, to hold a hearing on Trump’s ongoing lawless assaults on our communities. Witnesses shared accounts of personal trauma and constitutional violations. 

Among the witnesses was CAIR-MN executive director and Civil Rights advocate Jaylani Hussein. He testified that presidential rhetoric–especially under Donald Trump–has tangible consequences.

"Words from a President of the United States are not symbolic. They authorize behavior. They normalize harassment, they escalate threats, and they lower the barrier to violence," said Jaylani.

These consequences have led to the normalizing of harassment, escalating threats, and increasing risk of violence against marginalized and historically underrepresented communities. 

"This reflects a broad institutional pattern that has targeted black and immigrant communities for generations, from segregation, red ling, surveillance programs, travel bands, and voter and voter suppression," said Jaylani. "In fact, today, if you look at the travel ban, 24 out of the 54 African nations have a travel restriction. Don't tell me that President Trump does not hate black people." 


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TN9I32hl5ec

Jaylani warned that dehumanization spreads beyond its initial targets, citing the murder of Renee Nicole Good as evidence that unchecked hate endangers everyone.

"They came for the Somalis. But they got all of us," said Jaylani. "Today, Renee Good is murdered. 
She was not a Somalia American. She was not an immigrant, but she stood up, she bore the witness and picked the price. Her death is a warning of the unchecked enforcement of dehumanization that needs to stop. 
Dr. King warned us injustice left unchecked spreads."

He urged Congress to defend the constitution and act immediately to stop injustice before it costs more lives.