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Ways To Make Change And Take A Stand For System Reform
Ways To Make Change And Take A Stand For System Reform.
DONATE
Official George Floyd Memorial Fund on gofundme.com
Philonise Floyd, George’s brother, created the fund to cover funeral and burial expenses, mental and grief counseling, lodging and travel for all court proceedings and to assist the family as they “continue to seek justice for George,” according to the description. A portion of these funds will also go to the Estate of George Floyd, which benefits his children and their educational fund.
Donations to this legal organization go toward helping “win landmark legal battles, protect voters across the nation, and advance the cause of racial justice, equality, and an inclusive society.”
I Run With Maud fundraiser on gofundme.com
This fundraiser assists Ahmaud Arbery’s mother and her immediate family.
An organization with the mission statement of bringing justice, freedom and healing to black people across the globe. You can become a “Global Member” by donating $5 to support their campaigns.
Your local bond/bail fund
Many organizations in states and cities across the country accept donations that go to paying bail/bond and are also fighting to abolish the money bail system and pretrial detention. The National Bail Fund Network has a directory of community bail funds, and as protests continue in Atlanta, Miami, New York and other major cities, the Georgia Immigration Bond Fund, the LGBTQ Freedom Fund and the Emergency Release Fund are requesting donations.
Black Table Arts
This organization helps “black communities through the arts, towards better black futures,” according to its website. They accept donations and also have merchandise for sale.
Black Girls Code
This nonprofit organization offers workshops, programs and other access to black girls interested in learning about computer programming. They accept donations and also have a signup for volunteers.
Campaign Zero
Donating to this organization helps “support advocacy for policy solutions to end police violence in America.”
The National Black Justice Coalition
This civil rights organization is “dedicated to empowering black lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.”
Emergency Release Fund
100% of your donations to this group is used to “post bail for trans persons at risk of injury and death.”
Southern Poverty Law Center
Donations help “win justice on behalf of those who have no other champion, expose and fight the hate that thrives in our country, and provide tolerance education materials free of charge to schools across our nation.”
OTHER RESOURCES
The ACLU has a helpful guide for knowing your rights if you’re organizing a protest.
Food bank donations are crucial. Food Finder and Feeding America are helpful places to narrow your search for local food banks.
Help clean up communities that have seen large protests. Check local community news sites for details on clean-up. Here is an example in Chicago.
VOLUNTEER
Volunteer online with the United Nations and their “Let’s Fight Racism” initiative.
Get involved with your local Black Lives Matter chapter.
Volunteer with Rock the Vote to help people register to vote.
WAYS TO BE PROACTIVE AGAINST RACISM
Work to eliminate hiring bias in the workplace
Katherine McNamee, the HR director at the American Alliance of Museums, offers tips here.
Activities that teach about race/racism
The “National Black Lives Matter At School” network of educators and supporters has activity guides with kid-friendly language that help educate about race.
Tips for calling out family and friends in person
Amnesty International suggests using “I” statements when confronting a family member or friend. “Rather than saying ‘You’re a racist,’ talk about how those comments are impacting you and how you are feeling about it,” their website states. They also suggest clarifying the other person’s stance, talking to them quietly and not getting too aggressive, which may lessen the effectiveness of you “persuasive powers.”
Actively acknowledge and support members of the LGBTQ+ communities
Part of the movements and protests is to create space for all marginalized people to share their voices, especially for black people who also identify as LGBTQ+. Making space, amplifying those voices and defending people in LGBTQ+ communities is multi-faceted, whether that’s having honest conversations with those closest to you or supporting organizations and brands that provide safe spaces.
SUPPORTING BLACK BUSINESSES
Actively seek out black businesses to support
The first way to support black-owned businesses is to actively work on finding them and frequenting them. The Official Black Wallstreet app helps businesses gain exposure and gives people an easy way to search for companies.
Support black restaurants in your area
If you’re eating out and want your dollars to go toward black-owned eateries, there are tasty options to try. Ben’s Chili Bowl in D.C., Brooklyn’s BK9 and Minneapolis’ Angelea’s Soul Food Kitchen are just some of the offerings available – research your city’s restaurants and who owns them. The EatOkra app allows you to search for black-owned restaurants in your area.
Support beauty brands by black creators
Looking for beauty brands as well? Dehiya Beauty, The Honey Pot Company and Beneath Your Mask are all options from black founders that can be found in stores or online.
Buy fashion from black designers
Founder Anifa Mvuemba brings bright colors and innovative branding to fashion line Hanifa; Grace Wales Bonner’s eponymous label offers tailored silhouettes; and mother-daughter design duo Rebecca Henry and Akua Shabaka at House of Aama share an “ode to Southern Creole spiritually and African roots” with their clothing.
Join the “15 Percent Pledge”
Want to see more black-owned brands in stores? The “15 Percent Pledge” petition challenges “major retailers to pledge 15% of their shelf space to black-owned businesses.” Brother Vellies designer Aurora James launched the campaign and is calling on stores including Whole Foods, Target and Barnes & Noble to take the challenge.
Support digital and tech companies operated by black leadership
Baltimore-based RightDirection Technology Solutions, Mobile Defenders in Kentwood, Michigan, and Blacc Spot Media are all examples of black-led tech companies.
Find more ways to support change, Black Lives Matter, George Floyd family and black owned businesses HERE