Anniversary of Community Victory: Occupation at the Roof Depot site

It’s been nearly two years since community occupied the Roof Depot site. Two years since leaders at Little Earth led the protest that stopped demolition of the contested warehouse and broke a long cycle of city-sanctioned pollution in East Phillips ❤️‍🔥

That day was a pivotal moment in a story that starts eight years earlier, when neighbors began gathering input and funds to convert the vacant Roof Depot warehouse into a community-owned indoor urban farm and resource hub. This was the people’s plan to address immediate needs - with fresh food, good jobs, and land-based cultural education - while also bolstering generations to come in the systemically neglected neighborhood of East Phillips.

Then, the city swooped in with a different plan - to demolish the warehouse for a vehicle maintenance facility and parking lot that would force even more fumes and traffic into this densely-populated area.

So neighbors and supporters got organized, wielding every available tool to defend their vision for a more just and beautiful future. For years, people showed up in the courts, in the capitol, and in the streets.

During the early morning hours of February 21st, 2023, six days before demolition was scheduled to begin, community set up camp outside the warehouse to firmly repeat their demand: “no demo”

Hundreds joined throughout the day, erecting a large teepee, feeding each other, tending the ceremonial fire, and sending a loud message of solidarity. The swell of public support that followed led to a court-ordered pause on demolition, and gave EPNI more leverage to negotiate with city and state officials for the opportunity to carry out the community’s life-affirming vision for the Roof Depot site. 🌱

Thank you to the Little Earth Protectors, Indigenous Protectors Movement, American Indian Movement, Climate Justice Committee, Twin Cities DSA, and the many, many others who showed up. Thank you to everyone who lent a hand or voice or dollar in the years leading up to that day, and who continue to support this transformative vision for our shared future.

More event details to come soon! 💫