Yahoo News How To Stand With George Floyd And Be An Ally To Those Protesting From The UK
Last week, a 46-year-old unarmed black man named George Floyd was killed in broad daylight in Minneapolis, Minnesota. A viral video shows white police officer kneeling on his neck as Floyd says "I can't breathe".
In the week since his death protesters have marched in states across the US and cities around the world including London, Manchesters and Berlin. Those protesting demand an end to the police brutality against black people which has seen hundreds die at their hands and for those involved in these acts to be charged accordingly.
There are ways to support those marching without taking to the streets, even if you are in another country. Here are some ways you can be an ally to those taking a stand and to demand justice in the name of George Floyd and all those senselessly killed.
Demand justice and hold those involved accountable
For those in the US, you can contact Minnesota's elected representatives and demand action is taken against the police officers involved in Floyd's death. There is also this petition by Color of Change and this petition on Change.org, which both call for all involved to face charges.
If you live outside the US, this petition by Amnesty and this petition by Change.org are addressed to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and District Attorney Mike Freeman respectively, aiming to lobby for the officers involved to be held accountable.
Donate to a bailout fund to help protestors
While it is good to add your voice to a petition, getting your wallet out is a more powerful way to be an ally to those who need support right now wherever you are in the world.
You can directly support those in Minneapolis through the Minnesota Freedom Fund, which pays for criminal bails and immigration bonds and has promised to free protesters who are incarcerated.
If you want to help other states where protests are happening, The Bail Project pays the bail of those in need to ensure freedom isn't based on someone's financial situation. All money given goes to help free incarcerated people and is recycled to help more once bail is returned when a case is closed.
This donation page from Progressives Everywhere allows you to split the money you give between different bail funds across cities including Minneapolis, Detroit, Houston, Chicago and New York.
Support the family of George Floyd directly
To help with funeral and burial costs and further expenses such as grief counselling and expenses related to legal proceedings, Floyd's brother Philonise Floyd started a GoFundMe page which you can donate to. A portion of the money raised will also go Floyd's Estate to benefit his children and their education.
You can also send letters of condolence and support or send cheques to:
The Estate of George Floyd
c/o Ben Crump Law, PLLC
122 S. Calhoun Street
Tallahassee, FL 32301
Floyd's family have thanked those supporting, saying, "While we are not able to respond to each expression of love at this time, please know that we love and appreciate each and every one of you. Our hearts are overwhelmed!"
Donate to the Black Lives Matter movement
Founded in 2013, Black Lives Matter activists have fought for justice for those suffering racism as well as spearheading a movement which has bought attention to the inequality suffered by so many.
With chapters across the US, donating to Black Lives Matter will aid them in their fight to end state-sanctioned violence, liberate black people and end white supremacy forever.
Give money to legal defence organisations
If you live within the US, supporting the NAACP Legal Defense Fund means putting money toward addressing the imbalance in the justice system. The fund gives support to help win landmark legal battles, protect voters whose rights are under threat across America and advance the cause of racial justice and equality.
For those elsewhere, the ACLU has been at the forefront of civil liberties battles in the US for over 100 years, working to give protesters legal support and demand that vulnerable people in prisons, jails and immigration detention centres be released.
Colin Kaepernick, the NFL player who took a knee during the National Anthem to protest racial injustice in America, has also started a legal fund for those in Minneapolis through his Know Your Rights Camp organisation, which you can donate to here.
Support those outside America too
While police brutality is especially prevalent in America, black people are significantly more likely to have police force used against them in the UK. With several marches due to take place in London in solidarity with the US, Black Protest Legal UK is a hub of lawyers and legal advisors who provide free legal advice and representation to UK Black Lives Matter activists and protesters. You can support them via their GoFundMe page here.
Beyond these protests, Stop Hate UK is a service for victims of racial harassment set up in response to the murder of black teenager Stephen Lawrence in 1993, which you can donate to here. Show Racism the Red Card are a leading anti-racism charity who provide educational workshops and training to try and combat racism in the UK, you can support them here.
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