Before George Floyd’s murder, Andrea Jenkins made history as the first Black openly transgender woman elected to public office in the U.S., serving on the Minneapolis City Council since 2018. She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2017 but remained actively engaged with her community, often walking to local businesses and connecting with constituents. Following Floyd’s death on May 25, 2020, Jenkins found herself thrust into a leadership role during a turbulent period of protests and unrest, as the city council president was unavailable.
During this challenging time, Jenkins managed constant communication with various law enforcement agencies, receiving calls every couple of hours throughout the night. The chaos of the protests, compounded by construction noise and helicopters overhead, created a stressful environment that took a significant toll on her health. Five years later, Jenkins reflects on the long-lasting impact on her well-being, noting that her sleep patterns have been severely disrupted, contributing to her PTSD.
She now often finds herself awake until 4 a.m., a stark contrast to her previous routines. Jenkins attributes the exacerbation of her multiple sclerosis to the added stress from the events surrounding Floyd’s murder. What began as a strong commitment to her community has led to lasting changes in her daily life, including reliance on a motorized scooter due to her health challenges. Jenkins’s experience highlights the profound impact of trauma on individuals, particularly those in leadership positions facing crises. Her story underscores the ongoing struggles that come with advocacy and public service amid societal upheaval.
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