How to support the Black Lives Matter movement and protestors
Over the weekend of May 29, demonstrations protesting the killing of George Floyd, police brutality and racist rhetoric erupted across the U.S.
Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man, was killed in police custody on May 25 — his final moments were recorded on a cell phone and spread quickly on social media. The horrifying footage depicts a white officer kneeling on Floyd’s neck as he repeatedly says he can’t breathe.
The four officers involved in the incident were fired and former officer Derek Chauvin was arrested on Friday, days after the video was released to the public.
As a result of protestors taking to the streets, both individuals and organizations have created everything from GoFundMe campaigns to bail funds to help support the movement virtually and financially.
Activism isn’t limited to standing on the frontlines and many have donated their money to help alleviate financial strain for many of these brands and businesses that are helping out. If you want to show your support through financial funding and educate yourself further on the mission of these groups, donate whatever you can to help the cause.
Although some might be concerned about where their money is going, these organizations have been vetted and are transparent about where your donations are going.
George Floyd’s family has started a GoFundMe to cover funeral and burial costs, legal fees and continued care for his children. Another GoFundMe has been created to help raise money for Ahmaud Arbery’s mother, which will help fund her legal battle. 25-year-old Arbery was shot while on a run after being followed by two armed white men in South Georgia.
Larger organizations like the Minnesota Freedom Fund and the Brooklyn Bail Fund have started asking donors to send funds to smaller nonprofits and groups after both received an outpour of support over the weekend. Here are some suggestions:
Black Lives Matter, an activist movement focused on campaigns against violence and racism towards Black people. Their main donation page is here.
Black Visions Collective, a Black, trans, and queer-led social justice organization and legal fund based in Minneapolis-St. Paul. Learn more about their mission here and donate here.
Campaign Zero, a police reform group that has been working on policy solutions to “improve community interactions” and “ensure accountability.” Read all about their proposed solutions here and support their mission by donating here.
Fair Fight, an organization founded by Stacey Abrams, which aims to end voter suppression and equalize voting rights so that all people’s voices can be heard, is accepting donations leading up to the 2020 election.
Know Your Rights Camp, Colin Kaepernick’s foundation that provides education and empowerment seminars in Black and brown communities, has set up a legal fund for Minneapolis protestors.
NAACP Legal Defense Fund, a legal organization “fighting for racial justice” through “litigation, advocacy and public education.” Donate to its cause here.
National Police Accountability Project: This group, a project of the National Lawyers Guild, helps people find legal counsel. More info here.
Northstar Health Collective, a St. Paul–based organization that provides health services and support at protests, and advocates for peaceful events. Find out how you can volunteer with them here or donate here.
Reclaim the Block “organizes Minneapolis community and city council members to move money from the police department into other areas of the city’s budget that truly promote community health and safety.” Check out their resources here or support their work by donating here.
We Love Lake Street was created to help rebuild Lake Street in Minneapolis and provides direct support to small businesses and nonprofits in the area to help rebuild their storefronts and reopen their doors to serve the neighborhood. Donate here.
Check out this other article onApex for Youth, a group on a mission to help one of New York’s most ignored populations.
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