Important to keep in mind:
The movement we are observing across our nation and world today demonstrates the need for recognition, institutional change, equity and justice on behalf of black individuals and communities. As we each seek to find our place in this movement, now is a time for us to each reflect upon our own individual and collective positionality, and for many of us this means examining our privilege. The resources included here, while not exhaustive, provide opportunities for us to each educate ourselves, learn from others who are willingly sharing their experiences, and to amplify the voices of people of color. Ultimately, these resources serve as a reminder that now, and everyday forward, is the time to move our efforts beyond posts on social media and to translate our intentions into tangible, meaningful impact to contribute in dismantling the historic, systems of racism that have existed for the entirety of our lives and which continue to exist today.
Quick links: History of racism | Engage with the conversation and community | Take action
History of Racism in the US – New York Times – A list and review of books about racism in the US
Instagram posts:
@Jenerous – 8 lessons about racism that were helpful as a white person
@monachalabi – A history of police violence and its repercussions
Books:
What is performative activism? – University of Birmingham (UK)
What is gaslighting? – Stephanie A. Sarkis Ph.D – Psychology Today
Understanding Implicit Bias – RacialEquityTools.org
@ogorchukwuu (Instagram)- how to spot racial gaslighting
Instagram:
Justice for Regis – Regis Korchinski-Panquet was murdered by Toronto Police who tried to cover up the murder as a suicide. This petition request an investigation into the incident.
Raise the Degree – Derek M Chauvin was charged with the 3rd degree murder of George Floyd. This petition is requesting the charge be changed to 1st degree murder.
Justice for George Floyd – On May 25th, 2020 George Floyd was murdered by Minneapolis Police. This petition is requesting that the officers involved be fired and appropriately charged for their actions.
Justice for Breonna Taylor – Breonna Taylor was murdered in her home by Louisbille Police after they raided her home, unannounced. This petition is requesting that the officers involved face appropriate charges, her family be paid retribution, the governor of Kentucky acknowledge the event, and the “no-knock” warrant the police used be banned.
National Action Against Police Brutality – This petition is requesting that the Attorney General of the United States act on behalf of the people of the US to take action against police brutality and injustice.
List of funds and direct donation options from Crooked Media
Funds in the list:
Black Lives Matter Global Network
Reclaim the Block
National Bail Out
Black Visions Collective
NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund
The National Police Accountability Project
Color of Change Education Fund
Unicorn Riot
Campaign Zero
Advancement Project
The Marshall Project
Other funds:
This is by no means a definitive list. Consider this a starting point to get you started. Please be aware that there are far more informed voices on this subject (for instance, pay attention to the “Some important documents” section of this page, as well as look to voices of color speaking on these issues). And remember: your actions are greater than your words, or your social media posts. Work to actively engage with and follow these leaders and movements. Make a plan of how you will change your day-to-day routines, biases, beliefs, etc. to translate your intentions into actionable difference. If you find any of this information is inaccurate or incomplete, or to provide additions to this list, please contact us.