The More Things Change…The More They Remain The Same...

[Bilal Mahmud المكافح المخلص]

Similarities between Minneapolis in the 1960s and the 2020s—sparked by the killings of George Floyd and more recently, Alex Pretti—show a persistent cycle of police brutality, intense community rage, and national uprisings. The 2026 killing of Alex Pretti, a white ICU nurse and community defender, by federal agents, has further intensified the modern crisis, echoing the 1960s' "long, hot summers" of riots following state-sanctioned violence against civilians

. 

Key Similarities: Minneapolis 1960s vs. 2020s/2026

• Triggering Events of Police Brutality: The 1960s civil rights movement was propelled by instances of police brutality, including the 1966 uprisings on Plymouth Avenue in North Minneapolis. Similarly, the 2020 uprisings were triggered by the murder of George Floyd, and the 2026 unrest follows the shooting of Alex Pretti by federal agents.
• The Role of Federal Agents & Unrest: In 2026, the shooting of Alex Pretti by Border Patrol agents during an "Operation Metro Surge" crackdown mirrors the 1960s, where federal involvement and local police violence in Black neighborhoods triggered widespread unrest.
• "Long, Hot Summers" and 2020s Uprisings: Historians have compared the 2020 protests to 1968, noting that both periods involved a mix of peaceful marching, community rage, and looting in response to systemic, ignored injustices.
• Victimization of Protesters and Observers: The killing of Alex Pretti, who was observing federal agents, echoes the 1960s, where citizens were killed for challenging or witnessing state power.
• Political Response and Accusations: Just as officials in the 1960s blamed Martin Luther King Jr. for riots, modern politicians have sought to blame protesters for the violence, with Trump administration officials calling activists "violent rioters".
• Interracial Alliances and Marches: Both eras saw diverse, multi-national groups marching together against what they deemed an "enough is enough" moment. 

Contextual Parallels

• Alex Pretti and 1960s Activists: Pretti was killed by a federal agent while protesting against a federal crackdown, similar to how activists were targeted by authorities in the 1960s.
• Martin Luther King and 2020/2026 Movement: The assassination of MLK in 1968, which sparked national riots, finds a parallel in the 2020 killing of George Floyd, which caused a nationwide uprising. Both events demonstrated that the nation was deeply divided and facing a "long, hot summer" of racial tension. 

The current situation in Minneapolis is described as a "hard reset" and an "inflection point," similar to the turning points in the 1960s that led to civil rights legislation. 

[Bilal Mahmud المكافح المخلص]

Kofi Bilal Mahmud Eid AlFitr 1443 A.H.

http://oppressedpeoplesonlineword.ning.com/profiles/blogs/6273430:B...

Kofi Bilal Mahmud

Executive Director

Oppressed Peoples Online Word 

Your Voice Since 2010

The Voice Of The Voiceless...A People Without A Voice Can Not Be Heard!

Periodically we at OPOW have to make an evaluation on our being able to sustain this effort of bringing  you stories that many of you enjoy.  We do not take adds, nor do we charge a subscription.  Much or most of our operating expense is covered by a few individuals who have been very generous over the past 15 years.

Much of our content is supplied by volunteers and myself.   With that being said, we need your support to continue this effort.  No amount is too small or too large.  Please consider becoming a much needed supporter of OPOW today.  In advance, from all of us at OPOW,  we thank you for your continued support.  

Bilal Mahmud

Executive Director OPOW

Support OPOW:  OPOW Needs Your Support - Oppressed Peoples Online Word...The Voice...

None of us are free,  if one of us is chained!
If we don't say it's wrong.....then we say it's right!

 

Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities.
- Voltaire, philosopher (1694-1778)

The Voice Of The Voiceless... A People Without A Voice Can Not Be Heard...

Make Your Pledge To OPOW, The Voice Of The Voiceless

 

Paypal send to:[e-mail]1 

Shaban 1445 A.H.$1.00 per day can make a difference..

Or Cashapp: $bilal1370

Zelle: [e-mail]

Mail: Little Deep Creek LLC
P.O. Box 1241
Conley, Ga. 30288

Oppressed Peoples Online Word 

Your Voice Since 2010

Support OPOW Today...An Appeal From The Executive Director Bilal Ma...

Thank you from all of us here at OPOW

Chip In To Help OPOW Make A Difference

Visit Us On Facebook:  (2) Facebook   

OPOW Above The Fold

OPOW Slideshow:  https://oppressedpeoplesonlineword.ning.com/photo/photo/slideshow

Oppressed Peoples Online Word is dedicated to disseminating news and information that is often overlooked by mainstream media. This platform serves as a voice for the voiceless, providing insights and perspectives on critical sociopolitical issues.