Groups call for justice at ‘Minnesota State Ain’t Fair’ rally, march

For six years, a coalition of activists has been drawing attention to the death of people like Marcus Golden.

Golden was shot and killed by St. Paul police officers in 2015. An investigation determined the shooting was justified.

Golden’s aunt, Monique Cullars-Doty, started the "Minnesota State Ain’t Fair" rally and march in 2015. Now in 2020, more than 100 people gathered Sunday in Hamline Park.

"The first year I just had the idea because I was like, ‘Wow, I am going to the state fair without my nephew for the first time in his life,’" Cullars-Doty said.

They are called the families of stolen lives. Cullars-Doty says they are determined to get out, be seen and share their stories.

"We are out here to help people get their stories out and amplify their voices and have their truth told and for them to also have community support," she said.

"You are here because you love justice. You are here because you want to see the police be held accountable," said Trahern Crews, the uncle of Hardel Sherrell, who died in the Beltrami County Jail in 2018.

Among the impassioned speakers was the father of Myon Burrell. His family claims he was wrongfully convicted of murder, and groups have been fighting for his release.

"To be dead in jail, to have someone out here living for you…he has been there since he was 15. He’s 33 now," said Michael Toussaint, the father of Burrell.

After the rally, families and community members held signs and marched down Snelling Avenue demanding action.

"What goes on in the dark, always come to light … because things are going to be revealed. Trust and believe that," said Del Shea Perry, the mother of Hardel Sherrell.