ANOKA, MN — Minnesotans for Racial Justice will host a community gathering at 1:00 p.m. on September 5, 2026, at Riverfront Memorial Park in Anoka, Minnesota. The event honors the name and legacy of Ernest McDuffey, a Black garage employee who survived an attempted lynching at the Anoka city jail on September 5, 1931. This community gathering marks 95 years since the attempt on his life. 

“At this gathering, our community will come together to seek justice for Ernest McDuffey. We will say his name,” said Ed Wehling, Leader of Minnesotans for Racial Justice. “We will bring his name out of the shadows, keep it strong, and never let it be forgotten. We are dedicated to ensuring we honor the names and humanize the lives of those who have been harmed by the violence and terror of white supremacy.”

Senator Jim Abeler and his legislative staff helped the Minnesota State Senate adopt a Resolution recognizing September 5, 2026 as a day to honor the memory of Ernest McDuffey.

With the unanimous support of the City of Anoka Human Rights Commission, the City of Anoka issued a Proclamation recognizing September 5, 2026 as Remembrance Day in honor of Ernest McDuffey.  

EVENT DETAILS

• WHAT: Ernest McDuffey 95th Anniversary Remembrance Event
• WHEN: Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.
• WHERE: Riverfront Memorial Park, Anoka, Minnesota, 2201 2nd Ave, Anoka, MN 55303 
• PUBLIC ACCESS: Free and open to the public. All are welcome.

COMMUNITY SPEAKERS

• Nekima Levy Armstrong–award-winning civil rights lawyer and scholar-activist
• Pastor Dr. Brian C. Herron Sr.–Zion Baptist Church in Minneapolis
• Brendan McBride, Chair–City of Anoka Human Rights Commission
• Samba Fall–Chair, Education Committee, Minneapolis NAACP

If you would like to speak to Mr. Wehling before the event, please call him at 763-506-0723 or email trans44fer@comcast.net. Ed Wehling will also be available to speak to the press after the event. 

For more information on the Remembrance event follow the Minnesotans for Racial Justice: Ernest McDuffey Remembrance Facebook page.