Educate, speak up, donate: what you can do right now to support Black Lives Matter.
Christine T. Nguyen
Christine T. Nguyen
Following the death of George Floyd on May 25 – a black, unarmed, handcuffed man – caused by a white police officer in Minneapolis – the world has been rightly flooded with sadness and anger, with protests and demonstrations sparked in cities across America and all over the world.
Since then, further videos of police brutality have filled our feeds, as well as the devastating news of more killings of unarmed black people in separate instances. The world is incensed right now. And while social media is a useful resource to share information, highlight injustice, platform solidarity, as well as an outlet for pain and sadness, it is important to realise that sharing a post or a one-day IG grid “blackout” – however well-intentioned it may be – does not translate into actual substantial action.
Actor Amandla Stenberg once asked: “What would America be like if we loved black people as much as we love black culture?” And with black culture so widely celebrated and reported on, and pivotal in spearheading much of the music, film, fashion and sports we engage with today, it can be easy to feign acceptance, turn a blind-eye to the systemic racism that plagues every single one of those industries, and think, “isn’t it obvious black lives matter?” But recent events, cruelty and violence have shown, of course this isn’t the case.
It can be easy at a time like this to feel hopeless, overwhelmed, or not even know where to begin to try and make a difference, but we’ve put together a list of things to do to make a start…
Silence is violence
The first step is realising there is an issue – then, read up. Do not stay silent. Educate yourself and others. Then vocalise.
BOOKS Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge Freedom Is A Constant Struggle by Angela Davis Beloved by Toni Morrison Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin
Sign petitions
JUSTICE FOR GEORGE FLOYD
“We are trying to reach the attention of Mayor Jacob Frey and DA Mike Freeman to beg to have the officers involved in this disgusting situation fired and for charges to be filed immediately.”
#JUSTICEFORFLOYD
“Demand the officers who killed George Floyd are charged with murder.”
BLACK VISIONS COLLECTIVE
“Black Visions Collective (BLVC) believes in a future where all Black people have autonomy, safety is community-led, and we are in right relationship within our ecosystems.”
JUSTICE FOR AHMAUD ARBERY
“Ahmad Arbery, 25, was chased and gunned down on February 23, 2020 while exercising in the Satalla Shores neighborhood in Brunswick, GA. Ahmaud’s voice will be heard. In an effort to seek justice, please sign the petition expressing your concern.”
JUSTICE FOR BELLY MUJINGA
“This petition exists to help find and prosecute the individual who assaulted Belly Mujinga at London Victoria whilst knowingly being infected with COVID-19.”
HERE is a larger more comprehensive list of all the petitions you can sign to get involved…
Donate
BLACK LIVES MATTER
“We appreciate your support of the movement and our ongoing fight to end state-sanctioned violence, liberate Black people, and end white supremacy forever.”
MINNESOTA FREEDOM FUND
Harry Styles, Kehlani, Lil Nas X, Noname and Kali Uchis have made donations to Minnesota Freedom Fund, an organisation that helps provide funds to protestors who have been arrested and need bail money.
We encourage people to generously donate to George Floyd’s family & local orgs that are Black& BIPOC led, @BlackVisionsMN@reclaimtheblock
— Minnesota Freedom Fund (@MNFreedomFund) May 31, 2020
RECLAIM THE BLOCK
“Our city is on fire, our people are hurting, and Black communities are crying out for health and safety in the midst of pandemic. Now is the time to invest in a safe, liberated future for our city. We can’t afford to keep funding MPD’s attacks on Black lives.”
THE BAIL PROJECT
“Join our 8,000+ donors who are helping us post bail for people who can’t afford it, reuniting families and restoring the presumption of innocence – one person at a time. The Bail Project™ National Revolving Bail Fund is on a mission to combat mass incarceration and reshape the pretrial system in the United States. 100% of online donations are used to bring people home. Since bail money comes back to us when cases close, we’re able to recycle every dollar donated at least twice per year.”
THE MOVEMENT FOR BLACK LIVES
“The Movement for Black Lives Fund supports Black-led rapid response efforts and long-term strategy, policy and infrastructure investments in the movement ecosystem.”
