Here’s how you can show your support, both nationally and locally in L.A.
Last week, the world witnessed the brutal killing of George Floyd, a 46-year-old man that died after having his throat crushed under the knee of a Minneapolis officer while the rest of his body was pinned to the ground by three more. This, along with a series of racial incidents all in the same short period of time, has culminated in a global outcry for justice. Protestors have hit the streets in the wake of a pandemic to demand a change in a system riddled with inequalities that have a devastating impact on people of color.
For a radical transformation, action is necessary. To be a part of the change and support the powerful movement there are a number of tangible ways you can help.
Table Of Contents
- Show your solidarity
- Donate to victim funds
- Donate to organizations
- Sign a petition
- Use and share resources
- Support black-owned businesses in Los Angeles
- Educate yourself on the history of institutional racism in the country
- …And then have conversations with family and friends about it
- Follow organizations and leaders to keep you informed and educated
- Vote
Show your solidarity
- Black Out Tuesday: The music industry calls for a day where nothing it released to show support for the movement. Major record labels have shared a message on social media promising “a day to disconnect from work and reconnect with our community.”
- Street protests: Protests have been led primarily by Black Lives Matter LA, you can use this map of where they’ve taken place across the city. You can also follow them on social media to find out more.
- Create and share: Use your creativity as a voice—whether that’s creating and sharing artwork, holding a vigil or finding positive ways to implement change in your own community. This is the time to speak up.
Donate to victim funds
All donation links are used in the headlines below. further information and resources can be found in the body text.
- Official George Floyd Memorial Fund: These funds will also go towards the funeral and burial costs along with the counseling and legal expenses for his loved ones. A portion will go towards the Estate of George Floyd for the benefit and care of his children and their educational fund.
- Tony Mcdade: Tony Mcdade was a black LGBTQ person, was shot and killed by a Tallahassee Police Department officer. The funds go towards funeral and memorial costs.
- George Floyd Memorial Fund: Donate directly to the family of George Floyd via this gofundme created by his brother, Philonise Floyd.
- George Floyd’s Sister’s Fund: Further support George Floyd’s family’s mission in getting justice for his death through this gofundme set up by George Floyd’s sister, Bridgett Floyd.
- I Run With Maud: Donate to the family of Ahmaud Marquez Arbery, who was murdered in February while jogging.
- Justice For Regis: Donate to the family of Regis Korchinski-Paquet, who fell off a balcony and died after a confrontation with the police.
- Justice for Jamee: Donate to the family of Jamee Johnson, who was shot four times in the chest by a police officer during a traffic stop.
See a full list of victims’ donation pages on the Black Lives Matter website here.
Donate to organizations
Donate to the organizations that are working towards a better and fairer society for all.
- Peoples City Council Freedom Fund (L.A.): If you are unable to physically protest, the next best thing is to keep those fighting for the equality out of the very system they are trying to change. The Minnesota Freedom Fund has already raised more than $20 million dollars and is now asking potential benefactors to direct funds to local organizations such as Peoples City Council Freedom Fund. you can also donate to The Bail Project which is a national fund.
- The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund: the NAACP Legal Defense works on advancing the goals of racial justice and equality by protecting those that are most vulnerable in society. Their work includes court cases that work for a fairer justice system, increasing graduation rates among African American students, protecting voters across the nation, and decreasing disproportionate incarceration and sentencing rates.
- Los Angeles Action Bail Fund: This fund is organized by Black Lives Matter LA and supported by White People 4 Black Lives. 100% of donations go directly to support bail, fees, and medical costs associated with actions.
- Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment: This is a grassroots organization that aims to get voters registered and empower Californians to advocate and vote for economic, racial, and social justice.
- ACCE Action: This multi-racial organization has locations across the state, including Los Angles. They work to fight displacement by taking action to get the city to invest in neighborhoods and fighting for fair housing policies and services across the city.
- Communities United Against Police Brutality: The Minneapolis organization was created “to deal with police brutality on an ongoing basis.” More information can be found here.
- Campaign Zero: The organization uses data to inform policy solutions that aim to ends police brutality. Their vision is to create a better world by “limiting police interventions, improving community interactions, and ensuring accountability.”
- Unicorn Riot reporting: This non-profit media organization brings you objective, street-level reporting on civil violation, police brutality and white supremacy.
NOTE: During the pandemic, California adopted an Emergency Zero Bail Schedule, setting bail at $0 for most misdemeanors and low-level felony offenses. The National Bail Fund Network is monitoring if the state will be faithful to the emergency measure in light of the protests.
Sign a petition
- #JusticeforFloyd: The Color of Change petition demands that Mayor Frey block all four officers from receiving their pensions and ban them from ever working in the force in the future. Although, Derek Chauvin calls for Officers Thomas Lane, Tou Thao and J. Alexander Kueng to be charged too. It also demands the release of any protestors that have been arrested. The petition currently needs 55,000 more signatures to meet its goal of 2,500,000. You can sign the petition at the link below or text “FLOYD” to 55156.
- Justice for Floyd: This petition by Change.org demands the other three officers involved with the murder are held accountable. You can sign the petition here.
Use and share resources
“How to Become actively anti-racist”
The Good Good Co has put together a beautiful post that summarizes an essay by acclaimed professor Ibram X. Kendi for the new York Times. Read it. Share it.
The prominent group focuses on offering free counseling to black women and girls. You can share the resource with people you know or donate to their fund here.
Created by a Kenyan living in Boston, this document is filled with free valuable resources for those that have had traumatic experiences.
SURJ is a national network of groups & individuals that organizes white people for racial justice.
Support black-owned businesses in Los Angeles
Supporting the growth of black-owned businesses goes a long way in empowering communities in the long run, not just in this exceptionally dire landscape. There is no doubt that the pandemic has disproportionately affected black communities. Here is Google doc of all the black-owned restaurants in Los Angeles, which has been put together by Kat Hong, a 25-year-old editorial assistant at The Infatuation.
Educate yourself on the history of institutional racism in the country
As the Black Life Matters website reads, “When You’re Done: Educate Yourself. This Doesn’t Go Away Once The Topic Isn’t ‘Trending.’” This Google document made to help deepen anti-racism work is a good place for start.
You can also find a list of books to help you get started here.
…And then have conversations with family and friends about it
Speaking about the issues and helping to educate others in your circles, is a vital step to making sure everyone is an ally to the cause.
Follow organizations and leaders to keep you informed and educated
This list from Variety offers a good start.
Vote
It’s an obvious one but an important one.
If you’re not registered, you can do so online here.