The community dinner prepared by volunteers for Communities United Against Police Brutality (CUAPB) on October 20, 2019 was unifying, cathartic, and healing, as it brought together families impacted by police violence, supporters, and allies. Unrelentingly, the 2019 gathering was attended by the families of 2 young men recently murdered in Eagan and Richfield, Isak Aden and Brian Quinones. Ashley Quinones was joined by her Grandmother, Bev Williams, and son, Cameron Quinones, as well as Chara Blanch, good friend of the family. Listen to what Ashley had to say:

You will remember my name! – Ashley Quinones.

An important part of the Stand With Families dinner is the love, understanding, and support among the people most directly impacted by police violence and killer cops. The people speaking up at these events have become an unintentional family stitched together by mutual support and empathy in the face of unaccountable officers that kill with impunity and continue to patrol the streets. Given the purpose and the horror of the stories told and retold by people that were put on the front lines through the violent acts of killers hiding behind badges and a court system built to absolve them of any responsibility for their crimes, a room filled with laughter, hugs, and encouragement might be surprising. It is not. It is precisely what the families need and it is what they give to each other.

The next clip features Ashley’s Grandmother and Son. Bev Williams and Cameron Quinones rarely share their stories in public, but the supportive, caring space curated by Michelle Gross, Monique Cullars Doty, everyone in the kitchen, and all the organizers, brought them forward.

Ashley’s Grandmother and Son speak out.

Three generations speak for Brian Quinones in those 2 clips. The family gathered in South Minneapolis to share stories and a meal was bigger still. The siblings of Isak Aden, killed in Burnsville on July 2, 2019, were there to support Ashley, Cameron, and all those remembering stolen lives. For more from Sumaya and Dinni Aden check out Part 3 of this series. They are at the core of Ashley Quinones’ support network, as Ashley is for the Adens.

The next clip pairs Sumaya Aden and Chara Blanch as they call the community to support the Aden and Quinones families in their work for justice and accountability. Protest and disruption are a key element in applying pressure to those in power to change their behavior. It is not enough, but it helps the family members when they sit down with prosecutors, police, and politicians to demand accountability and justice. Stand with the families. Join us in the streets,

Chara and Sumaya call for support from the community.

As far as I know, the body and dash cam footage related to the killing of Brian Quinones has not been released as promised. Nor that related to the murder of Isak Aden. I agree with Sumaya in the previous clip, this does not reflect well on the police or political officer holders in these cities. It has become clear that local officials have the ability to release police footage quickly when the video supports their narrative, yet delay release when it is not favorable to the police. Success of the delay tactic depends on the public losing interest and attention for the crime it is meant to sweep under the rug. That is why it is critical that the community help make sure that does not happen. Protest is one way to keep the story alive and apply pressure, but so is sharing the video links in the Part 2 and Part 3 of this series. The New Hughes Video Feed is limited to FB, but the vimeo links and embed codes can be used anywhere. Use them to amplify the voices of the Quinones family remembering Brian Quinones.