On May 25, George Floyd, an unarmed Black man, died while in police custody in Minneapolis, Minnesota. A video showing a white police officer kneeling on Floyd’s neck until he was unresponsive went viral and sparked international outrage and calls for justice.
The four officers involved were fired, but only one has been charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter as of right now.
There continue to be protests in the United States and other countries around the world in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Many of you may be questioning what this all means and what you can do to help.
First and foremost, it is important to educate yourself. This is especially crucial if you are not a person of colour. Look further than Instagram or Twitter and find credible resources that discuss racial injustice. There are many websites, books, YouTube videos, and podcasts that touch upon this subject. Here are a few terms to help you get started: white privilege, systemic racism, allyship, and anti-racist.
Speak out beyond social media. Use your voice to amplify the cause while making sure that you are not overshadowing Black voices. Posting and reposting on your social media accounts is a great way to start conversations and show your support for Black Lives Matter, but it should not be where your activism stops. Some examples include attending rallies and protests, starting conversations with your friends and families, and continuing the discussions in your day-to-day lives (not just when it’s trending).
Sign petitions and donate if you can. There are many fundraisers and charities that are in need of donations including the Minnesota Freedom Fund, Reclaim the Block, and the George Floyd Memorial Fund. Do your research and give in any way you can. There are also countless petitions that have been created in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. Petitions are used to raise awareness about a subject and are the first step to change.
Donate with no money. There are videos on YouTube that are donating 100% of their ad revenue to various organizations. Make sure to watch the entire video without skipping the ads and watch a few independent videos before you watch it again. Additionally, make sure your ad blockers are disabled. You can find these videos by searching “Stream to Donate” on YouTube, or by clicking on the links below.
Here are a few more useful links:
Resources, Petitions, and Fundraisers
Fundraisers and Petitions
Charities, Petitions, Resources to Read and People/Organizations to Follow
Resources and Fundraisers
Resources for White Allies
Mental Health Resources for Black Individuals