Black Lives Matter

George Floyd, a 46-year-old black male was killed last week by white police officer Derek Chauvin in Minneapolis. Floyd begged for his life during the assault, but the officer didn’t let up. He later succumbed to his injuries while in police custody.

The murder of George Floyd is just one of 3 African-American deaths by the hands of white people to gain media attention in 2020. Earlier this year, 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery was shot and killed by two men in Brunswick, Georgia and in March, 26-year-old Emergency Room Technician Breonna Taylor was gunned down by police officers who entered her Louisville, Kentucky home executing a “no knock” search warrant. She was shot 8 times. They are not the only ones, and they won’t be the last if we keep turning a blind eye.

We, as a society cannot continue to allow our black citizens to be murdered. We must let our voices be heard, push for change, take action, and educate our children to work to end institutionalized racism. There are many ways we can help create a positive change in our country—post on social media, peacefully protest, take part in a community clean-up following a protest, call and write to your state legislators, sign petitions to end police brutality, donate to organizations that are funding change, and check in with your black friends to see how you can support them. Whatever you do, do not choose to be silent.

Below is a list of resources to help support the cause against racism and police brutality.

Resources

Campaign Zero – For a complete guide to policies that will put an end to police brutality, broken windows policing, and a lot more.

Reclaim the Block Petition – A Minneapolis organization committed to defunding the police and relocating funds into areas of the city budget that truly promote community health and safety.

The National Bail fund Network – A list of community bail funds for which you can donate to free people who have been arrested for protesting.

NAACP Legal Defense Fund – An organization that supports racial justice through advocacy, litigation, and education.

Communities Against Police Brutality – An organization that takes police brutality head-on through advocacy, political action, and education.

Color of Change – An online racial justice organization designing campaigns to end racism.

Official George Floyd Memorial Fund – A GoFundMe dedicated to George Floyd’s funeral and burial costs, counseling services, legal fees, and continued care for his children.

I Run With Maud – A GoFundMe dedicated to assisting Ahmaud Arbery’s mother and immediate family with financial support following his death.

Fight For Breonna – Provides resources for assisting in demanding justice for Breonna Taylor’s death. A GoFundMe has also been established to help fund legal representation for Breonna’s boyfriend Kenneth Walker who has been charged with attempted murder for protecting their home during the police invasion.

We Are Done Dying – The NAACP’s easy form for contacting your congressional officials to advocate for criminal justice reform.