Here’s How You Can Help The Black Lives Matter Protesters Around The Country
Social media has been filled with images of protests from across the country. Peaceful protesters have been beaten, shot with rubber bullets, choked with tear gas, and arrested by police officers. With hundreds of people arrested for protesting the murder of unarmed Black people by police officers, here’s how you can help.
How To Help Minneapolis
Minneapolis is the epicenter of the recent civil unrest in the U.S. following the death of George Floyd by police. Floyd was accused of trying to use a counterfeit $20 bill. Minneapolis police officers responded and fired police officer Derek Chauvin was caught on video kneeling on Floyd’s neck until he died. There were three officers on Floyd and he was cuffed as Chauvin kneeled on Floyd’s neck.
Official George Floyd Memorial Fund – Floyd’s family has started the Official George Floyd Memorial Fund to establish financial help for his family. The fund has raised more than $7 million. According to the text on the GoFundMe page, a portion of the money collected will go to caring for Floyd’s children and setting up educational funds for them. The family has a second fund started by his sister.
Minnesota Freedom Fund – The Minnesota Freedom Fund is using donations to pay bail for people arrested for protesting in Minneapolis. The fund was established to fight back against the cash bail system in the U.S. that disenfranchises people who can’t afford to pay to avoid being incarcerated before their trial.
How To Help New York
Brooklyn Community Bail Fund – The Brooklyn Community Bail Fund is using its current fundraising to help those arrested in New York while protesting. New York City was one of several American cities that saw widespread protests demanding justice for the killing of George Floyd.
How To Help Atlanta
The Action Network – Atlanta has seen sustained peaceful protests since George Floyd was killed. The Action Network is raising the funds now to help those in Atlanta pay for their bail if they are arrested while protesting in the state’s capital.
How To Help Chicago
Black Lives Matter, Chicago Chapter – The Black Lives Matter chapter of Chicago is asking for donations to maintain the organizing happening in the streets. The chapter has joined other chapters around the country in orchestrating major protests demanding police reform. Donations to the organization help to sustain them during this time.
How To Help Los Angeles
Peoples City Council Freedom Fund – Due to COVID-19, Los Angeles has set all bails to $0 to limit the spread of the virus in confined places, like jails. However, community leaders are monitoring to make sure that policy is still used for protesters. The Peoples City Council Freedom Fund is helping protesters by providing them legal support, medical bills, transportation, supplies, and protective gear to protesters.
How To Help Nationally
Unicorn Riot – Unicorn Riot is an independent, nonprofit media organization offering on the ground reporting. According to the website, Unicorn Riot is free of corporate and government funding so they can cover stories as they see fit.
The Bail Project – The Bail Project is a bail fundraiser that is giving the same help nationally that many organizations offer locally. A donation to The Bail Project goes to helping people who are being arrested pay their bail anywhere int he country.
mitú Shop’s Solidarity Collection – In solidarity with Black lives, 100% of the net proceeds from the Solidarity Collection will be donated to the NAACP legal defense fund, and The Loveland Foundation which prioritizes opportunity, access, validation and healing for Black women and girls.
