Public forum to honor Prince and address opioid crisis held in Minneapolis

Since Prince’s tragic death due to an accidental overdose of fentanyl on April 21, 2016, the number of fentanyl-related fatalities in the U.S. has increased by 400%, and communities of color are being hit hardest by this epidemic. Here in the North Star state, for example, Black Minnesotans are more than three times as likely to die from an “opioid-involved overdose” as white residents. And members of Minnesota’s Indigenous communities are being poisoned to death at approximately 10 times the rate of whites.  

On Thursday, June 20, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Justice4Cuz will hold a public forum in memory of Prince Rogers Nelson at Pohlad Hall, inside the Minneapolis Central Library (300 Nicollet Mall). 

Founded in 2016 by Prince’s cousin Charles Smith, Justice4Cuz’s mission is “to protect, preserve, and honor the legacy of Prince Rogers Nelson, and to search for the truth about his life and his unexpected passing.” 

In addition to celebrating Minneapolis’ favorite son, some 40-plus years after he put the City of Lakes on the international music map, this event also provides a vital opportunity to discuss, deliberate, and speak to developing strategies designed to combat our national opioid crisis, which continues to claim more and more lives each year due to synthetic drugs such as fentanyl and xylazine.

Moderated by WCCO-TV anchor and reporter Esme Murphy, one of the first journalists to arrive at Paisley Park the morning that Prince passed away, this public forum will include representatives from the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Hennepin County Sherriff’s Office, and the Minnesota Governor’s Office, as well as from organizations such as the Steve Rummler HOPE Network, Emily’s Hope, the Fentanyl Free Communities Foundation, and the Grieving Out Loud Podcast.

There is no cost to attend; however, space is limited.

Likewise, before the public forum (from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.), members from some of the aforementioned agencies will be on hand in the Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi Room (next to Pohlad Hall) to share literature and other resources to assist individuals, families, and communities in addressing this ongoing crisis.

For more details regarding this forum, scan the QR code on the accompanying event flyer. For more information on Justice4Cuz and its work, please visit www.justice4cuz.org.