Synopsis

Upon the fifth anniversary of the murder of George Floyd comes a landmark book on leadership, justice, and race by the first Black police chief in the history of the Minneapolis Police Department, the man who led through and beyond the crime, the historic protest movement, and the nationwide reckoning on race and policing On May 25, 2020, at a neighborhood convenience store, George Floyd was killed by Minneapolis police. In the weeks that followed, the city and the entire nation erupted with the most destructive and costly civil unrest in the United States since the Los Angeles riots 28 years earlier. Standing steadfast in the middle was Medaria “Rondo” Arradondo, the first Black police chief in the 152-year history of the Minneapolis Police Department. Growing up in Minneapolis, Rondo understood from an early age that while police could be heroes, they could also be threats, especially to Black men like himself. When he became an officer, his purpose was clear: he would serve the loving community that raised him and would always treat others with dignity and respect, no matter the color of their skin. In 2020 when Chief Rondo found himself at the helm of a troubled department facing a national crisis, he put accountability first. Instead of walking the line between Black and Blue, he drew a line between right and wrong. Chief Rondo is a first-hand account of these pivotal events, offering new insights into his leadership and the broader impact on American policing. He reveals the challenges of working within a flawed system and provides inspiration for all leaders. Chief Rondo’s decisive and courageous actions led to one of the greatest social justice victories in our time: the State and Federal convictions of Derek Chauvin, Thomas Lane, J. Alexander Kueng, and Tou Thao, who were responsible for George Floyd’s murder, challenging the \"blue wall” that shielded police from accountability. It was an outcome so rare that Chauvin is one of just eleven non-Federal officers convicted of murder out of the 13,000 on-duty killings since 2005.

About The Author

Chief Medaria “Rondo” Arradondo was appointed as Minneapolis’ first Black Chief of Police in 2017. He has gained national recognition for his role in leading Black and Blue through the George Floyd crisis, securing justice and implementing reforms while enhancing transparency. National awareness of Rondo’s role in bringing justice for George Floyd led to his appearances on 60 Minutes, Real Time with Bill Maher, CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, ABC, CBS, NBC and NPR. Rondo retired in 2022 after 32 years of service and now serves as President and CEO of Optimus Sui Consulting, LLC. He remains active as a Minneapolis Public Housing Commissioner and Executive Board Member of Fentanyl Free Communities. Through his consulting firm, Rondo advises a range of clients, including major corporations and organizations, on leadership and social justice. His upcoming film documentary, RONDO, will expand on his leadership through the George Floyd crisis and his time as police chief. Jennifer Amie is a born-and-raised South Minneapolis native. A writer with deep roots as both a magazine journalist and a staff writer for educational institutions, she specializes in the worlds of art, culture, nature, science, and people who are catalysts of change. She received a BA from Reed College and an MA in journalism from the University of Minnesota, and currently resides in Portland, Oregon.