In 2020, a policeman was videotaped crushing the life out of George Floyd while fellow officers stood by. The horror of that experience ushered in a season marked by a determination to address untreated wrongs.
In 2025, the pendulum of community consciousness has now swung in a new and dangerous direction. Lies, distortions, and grotesque political manipulations dominate our times. We will push through to the other side of this midnight only if we find our voices and stand against the darkness.
For this cause, I must express my outrage at the vilification faced by an African American community hero. A public servant and source of pride is now being attacked for the very characteristics that led his village to recognize him as heroic.
Bobby Joe Champion, born on the North Side of Minneapolis, completed his education at Macalester College and earned a Juris Doctorate from William Mitchell. He worked with local legends like Terry Lewis and Jimmy Jam, enjoying a successful private career before he felt a call to public service.
After two terms as state representative, he was elected to the Senate, where his colleagues deemed him a leader deserving of elevation to president of the Senate. This is an elected official engaging issues and processes to ensure the government acts as an ally to the people. He also dedicates time and energy as a volunteer in community events, as a pro-bono lawyer for individuals and agencies, and as a mentor and friend to those in need.
Now, he is unjustly attacked for his efforts to serve the community by those who see a moment of political advantage and exploitation. A recent headline, which we in the community know to be false and biased, illustrates this point: “DFL Senate president steered millions in public funds to a legal client.”
This is an inflammatory misrepresentation that occurs during a critical season in which approaches to addressing the violence of our times are being discussed.
Bobby Joe Champion, Esq. is a well-respected legal practitioner. He generously provides counsel and pro-bono services to individuals and agencies in our village and beyond. His efforts have benefited the entire state of Minnesota, allowing segments of society that are often overlooked to better serve their missions because the senator works to provide resources so they can continue good works.
I have known Senator Champion for over 40 years. He is a man of integrity and a servant determined to empower those typically left on the margins. Contrary to the facts, some reporters, unwilling to be objective conveyors of facts and seekers of truth, produced the misleading headline mentioned earlier.
Too many of our inner-city neighborhoods are plagued by violence and drug trafficking, which diminish the quality of life. The African American community has come to understand that solutions cannot be expected from outside to address these crises.
One important indigenous response is 21 Days of Peace. This is an intentional effort to rebuild relationships between the community and the police. 21 Days, led by Rev. Jerry McAfee, has garnered applause from both the police and affected neighborhoods because it has proven effective in building bridges with law enforcement and empowering neighborhoods to reclaim their spaces.
Regrettably, personality clashes between the program leadership and certain city council members escalated and became the main issue, overshadowing the essential community service being provided. Senator Champion, concerned about preserving the progress made in the neighborhoods he represents, attempted to redirect attention towards effective service instead of personal disputes.
What followed was a press eager for sensational headlines and politicians sensing an opportunity for disruption. We need better.
Senator Champion has lived in the North Side of Minneapolis his entire life. Isn’t it a cause for celebration that he has built strong relationships with the people and agencies in his village? Shouldn’t we celebrate his volunteer commitment and the fact that he has firsthand information about the effective providers of services?
Would we criticize former President Jimmy Carter for working with Habitat for Humanity and then finding opportunities to bring financial support to their good work? Before he held office, Bobby Joe Champion worked in the Stairstep Foundation’s community-building programs. We recognized his intelligence, energy and dedication. Although over 20 years have passed since working at Stairstep, we continue to share a passion for community advancement.
During his public service, we have seen support for the Latino Chamber of Commerce, Hmong American Partnership, Southern MN Initiative Foundation, Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation Board, and others. I am sure we are all very grateful for his commitment to service and that he finds our activities worthy of his support.
We must return to the spirit of truth, compassion, and service present after George Floyd and allow our legislators to focus on constructive outcomes, not partisan politics.
Rev. Alfred Babington-Johnson is the founder and CEO of the Stairstep Foundation.
I concur with Rev. Babington-Johnson’s eloquent statement. Sen. Champion honors his family and community with his service. More than tarnish his reputation, these accusations raise questions about those who would caste dispersion on his efforts to build strength within the Black community.