The Cruelty of Nice Folks

In The Cruelty of Nice Folks, Justin Ellis examines Minneapolis’s complex history of racial inequality and the illusions of progress, especially in the wake of George Floyd’s murder. Blending personal memoir and reporting, the book explores how the city’s self-image as a liberal haven masks longstanding systemic injustices. As Minneapolis grapples with its identity amid ongoing state violence and social upheaval, the narrative offers a compelling reflection on America’s broader struggles with race, justice, and true change.