Black Lives Matter

As you are doubtlessly aware – there is currently a lot going on in the United States of America.  On top of a national struggle with the Covid-19, the fallout from the senseless murder of George Floyd has led to police attacking protesters, journalists and innocent bystanders throughout the nation.  There have been violence, arson a lot of questionable reporting by major outlets.

The violence and mistreatment that black people in the USA are subjected to daily is appalling, and responses from those in positions of power and authority are unconscionable.  Our hearts go out to those who are protesting and those who are simply trying to get by in a world where police respond to protests against police brutality are met with more police brutality.

If you’re far from the protests and feeling helpless, there are some things you may be able to do to help:

• Amplify black voices when you see them speaking on the matter
• Donate to organizations that are helping protesters directly (list below)
• Actively look into what is going on and educate yourself through resources people are making freely available
• Do share what you learn with non-black friends, family and communities

If you are not black, please do not:

• Ask black people to explain things to you or tell you what you can do to help, there are a lot of people volunteering the information now
• Center your feelings or opinions in these conversations; it’s rough for all of us but it’s literally life and death for the people under threat from the police and there’s already an unfortunate history of bystanders trying to make it about themselves
• Share anything that you can’t verify, particularly if it’s reassuring good feels or suggesting this isn’t really a problem

Remember, this world is rough and it the best way for us to get through it is together.

~Ozzie, – wincenworks and -Icy

Resources

Matthew A Cherry and @isatrea have been maintaining a list of ways to donate to those that are helping protesters with bail bonds.

You may also want to consider donating to Reclaim the Block.

Critical Bard has created a thread of black folk, many of whom who have been working on fund raisers themselves, who would appreciate any financial support that can be offered.

If you’re looking for resources to better education yourself and others, Adrien Gbinigie (Escoblades), has a twitter thread linking to many books and sources – including books for children.

You may also want to consider reading “Taking Freedom: Yes, Black America fears the police. Here’s why.” by Nikole Hannah-Jones, “The Long, Painful History of Police Brutality in the U.S.” by Katie Nodjimbadem or watching Last Week Tonight where John Oliver reported on Police Accountability and Sheriffs.