We are tired of the injustices in the world, and we HAVE to take a stand.
No longer can black voices be muffled, and lives not matter. It's time to pave a new way — for human decency and acceptance. Because we believe that taking a step back is important so as not to distract from the movement at large, our posts this week have been all about providing resources for those who believe in equality, and those who want to know more. Right now as many of us look for ways to support, encourage, education is key. Here's what you can do:
Support
It can be challenging to determine which causes to support, but there are an abundance of resources out there to guide you to reputable organizations and sites.
You can support via donations, assist with bail funds for protestors in your community, donate supplies to those on the streets using their voices, buy from black-owned businesses, immerse yourself in black art, and so much more.
Some of the organizations we've singled out are:
Official George Floyd Memorial Fund on GoFundMe Floyd's brother, Philonise Floyd, started a GoFundMe to raise money for Floyd's funeral expenses etc, and for his daughter's education costs.
Color of Change Colour of Change leads a number of efforts to improve and support Black communities, including ending cash bail and stopping anti-Black violence. They also have a petition that anyone can sign!
NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund fights racial injustice through legal action.
This organization details the state of mental health within the black community, especially during these times. With stats and loads of information accessible on the website, Sunshine Behavioral Health offers a listing of free or low-cost sources for mental health treatment for the Black community.
Speak Up
Your voice is relevant and needed; and there are so many ways to be heard. With social media being the most accessible platform, use your space to spread awareness, share your thoughts, or ask questions and you'll be surprised how many people are there to share in the struggle. You can also locate safe, peaceful protests, and stand in unity for change. If you have kids or work in a sphere of higher influence, be sure to have those conversations that spark innovation and equality. Be sure to instill values that support justice not division, because so much of this injustice stems from our own home environments. "The great aim of education is not knowledge, but action" - Herber Spencer Act The work does not stop with just supporting and speaking up, it continues with action. Making sure REAL equality is a right for people of color comes with change. And change cannot take place unless we initiate change. That means, always spreading awareness, educating yourself, being kind and cognisant, being honest and fair and most of all ...being involved in voting. If you have the opportunity to do so, vote to make a difference, and vote to make the change. For more information, please subscribe to our newsletter as we'll be sharing numerous resources over the course of the week.