The horrific death of George Floyd at the hands (or rather, the knee) of a police officer disgracing his badge by exerting his power over another human being has lead to increased outrage and anger within black and P.O.C. communities in general, as well among white folks who are continuing to speak out, or speak out for the first time, against racial injustice.
As a white woman, I am learning how to balance using my own voice while being sure to amplify the voices of black/brown folks and other marginalized groups. I am constantly making mistakes, learning, and growing.
In my journey toward being a better ally, I have grown to appreciate the importance of putting actual dollars (or whatever your country’s currency may be) into causes that directly or indirectly serve people of color in their communities and beyond.
These organizations are working with often limited resources to fight and correct years of racial injustice and inequity, and are especially in need of funding at this time.
With the help of family, friends and colleagues, I have compiled a short list of organizations for those looking for places to give. These organizations not only focus on the needs and specific issues impacting black members of their communities and beyond, but they are all (to the best of my knowledge) founded or led by black folks.
In keeping with this blog’s Blogging for Better initiative these are mainly smaller, grassroots groups who are doing incredible work in their cities and towns.
If you have any other causes to suggest, please list them in the comment below.
These Five, black-run organizations are on a mission to end racial injustice, promote racial equity and improve black life in America
Equal Justice Initiative
Wrongful convictions, unfair sentences and prison abuse are societal problems that overwhelmingly impact members of marginalized communities. Equal Justice Initiative, or EJI, provides legal representation to those impacted by an often unfair justic system, and helps formerly incarcerated people re-enter society. The organization, through reports, short films and educational materials, also challenges Americans to rethink how race is portrayed in this country.
Support EJI by clicking here.
Black Visions Collective
As George Floyd was killed in Minneaopolis, Twin-Cities-based social justice nonprofits have been at the forefront in the current fight for racial justice. Black Visions Collective is a Minneapolis-based organization dedicated to improving black lives in the Twin Cities. While mobilizing people of color in their communities, and working to make change at the local level through targeted campaigns, this nonprofit also seeks to draw attention to national issues of race, and works to create change.
Donate to BVC here.
The Loveland Foundation
Recently, many people like me have experienced a mere taste of the emotional and mental exhaustion dealing with the daily struggles of racism black folks face. Having access to quality therapy is an important step toward healing, and The Loveland Foundation has devoted itself to connecting black women and girls to the therapy they need.
Click here to support The Loveland Foundation.
MASK (Mothers/Men Against Senseless Killings)
As all of us (regardless of our racial makeup) seek to be build a better world for our children, we need to start by connecting with and empathizing with those in our own communities. MASK encourages communities to look out for one another, and work together to, among other things, end violence, improve housing, and address food insecurity in their neighborhoods.
Support MASK by clicking here.
Wee The People
Over the past weeks, many white parents have asked:
“How can I teach my kid about racism?”
This question is often followed up with:
“Are my kids too young to learn about racism?”
Wee The People, a Boston-based organization is answering both of those questions by providing interactive workshops, performances, spoken word and more to educate children from the ages of four to twelve on issues related to racism, empathy, equity and social justice.
You can support Wee The People by purchasing items off of their Amazon wish list here.
As mentioned earlier, these represent a small portion of the incredible work happening in communities across the U.S. I encourage you to share the organizations you love in the comments here or on Facebook.