Yahoo News Here’s what you can do to demand justice for Black Lives and support protestors right now
Update: Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was arrested and is charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. Although Chauvin has been taken into custody, the three other police officers involved in George Floyd’s violent arrest and death remain free. Consider signing the petitions and donating to the organizations and fundraisers below to advocate for black lives and justice for Floyd.
Original story: May 29, 2020
The recent deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd; news surrounding the October 2019 killing of Brianna Hill; and the horrifying way a white woman used her privilege to threaten Christian Cooper’s life in Central Park have sparked nationwide protests against racism and police brutality in America.
Over the past few days, protestors in Minneapolis, Los Angeles, and New York City were confronted by police in riot gear, tear gas, and, in the case of Louisville, Kentucky, gunshots. (While it’s unclear who fired a gun, according to the New York Times, seven demonstrators in Kentucky were shot by the police on Thursday night.) This was in stark contrast to how the protestors who decried the stay-at-home orders were treated.
If you feel helpless, confused, angry, or fired up, there are actions you can take right now to demand justice. Here’s how you can help:
Contact Government Officials
WCCO reported that mayor of Minneapolis Jacob Frey “called on Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman to press charges against the arresting officer for George Floyd’s Monday night death.” The four officers who were involved in his arrest and death (Derek Chauvin, Tou Thao, Thomas Lane, and J. Alexander Kueng) have been fired but not arrested or charged. Call Mayor Frey at 612-673-2100 or email him at CitizenInfo@Hennepin.us to let him know you demand justice.
You can also call Hennepin County attorney Mike Freeman at 612-348-5550 to demand the officers involved in Floyd’s death are arrested and charged. The ACLU even pre-wrote scripts you can use so you don’t have to worry about what to say.
Use the NAACP’s easy form to contact your congressional officials to advocate for criminal justice reform.
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Sign a Petition
Sign this super-petition, which automatically contacts the appropriate government representatives, and demand that the “Louisville Metro Council pass new rules banning the use of no-knock raids like the one used to break into Breonna’s home.”
Text FLOYD to 55156 to sign Color of Change’s petition calling on Mayor Frey to block the Minneapolis officers from receiving their pensions and from becoming officers again. This petition also demands charges be brought against all four officers.
Change.org’s petition also calls on the officers involved in Floyd’s death to be charged.
Sign Run With Ahmaud’s petition to ensure he gets the justice he deserves.
Donate, Donate, Donate
So many of the organizations that are dedicated to helping save and advocate for black lives are in desperate need of additional funds, as are the families involved. Consider donating to the following:
George Floyd’s brother Philonise Floyd set up an official memorial fund on GoFundMe to help their family during this time. Donations cover “funeral and burial expenses, mental and grief counseling, lodging and travel for all court proceedings, and to assist our family in the days to come as we continue to seek justice for George.” Funds will also be committed to the estate of George Floyd to help his children receive an education.
The Minnesota Freedom Fund is working with the National Lawyers Guild and the Legal Rights Center to help pay bail for low-income individuals and provide supplies for those on the ground.
Reclaim the Block aims to reallocate money from the police department to other areas of the city that need more health and safety resources.
North Star Health Collective gives aid and health care services to protestors in Minnesota.
Black Visions is committed to organizing black communities in Minnesota. Donate here and text Black Lives to 23559 to stay informed.
The Louisville Community Bail Fund is using donations to bail out protestors and “provide post-release support to get them from jail, fed, and to a situation of safety.”
Read Up on the Issues
Teen Vogue and Elle compiled insanely useful guides on anti-racism reads and how you can use your voice and privilege to fight for a better America. Also, check out Campaign Zero’s 10-step plan of action for ending police brutality.
Be Cautious About What You Share Online
As many have pointed out, avoid sharing images of protestors who can later be found and targeted. Also, consider how sharing violent images of black people being killed takes a mental and emotional toll on those who see it, especially without warning. You do not have to share a graphic video of a black person being killed to demand justice and speak out against racism.
Check in With Your Black Friends
Take time to check in with your black friends and coworkers who are struggling and still trying to go about their daily lives right now. They’re almost certainly not okay, and a little goes a long way.
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