This week's post is not about ballads, nor is it about bangers -- it's about George Floyd, Brionna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and too many others. I'm going to keep this brief so that the focus stays on what matters. If you're like me and want to make a difference but don't know how, I have compiled a short list of some solid charities and organizations doing frontline work to combat racism in our city, country, and continent. If you feel strongly, read up on a couple of them and show your support by donating.
Educating ourselves is the first step. What's really going on around the word and in our back yard? It was only in the last few years that I learned about residential schools and the crushing imprint that it left on Canadian history. Racism exists right here at home and a large part of that is towards Indigenous people and communities. Canada Roots Exchange and Legacy of Hope aim to educate people on the true history of Canada and strive towards reconciliation.
This is as close to home as it gets. Right in our backyard there is an organization that is putting on workshops such as "Understanding and Addressing Unconscious Bias." Some of the rhetoric I hear far too often is that we are not part of the problem here in Canada. I can guarantee you that our hands are not clean, that systemic racism is alive here too, and understanding how we think (both consciously and unconsciously) is the first step to doing better.
The Bail Project Minnesota Freedom Fund The Bail Project provides free-bail assistance to low-income individuals awaiting court dates, with the mission of "combating mass incarceration by disrupting the money bail system." In this current context, this includes protestors who are on the front lines. I Included the Minnesota Freedom fund because right now it is one of the main centres of protest. The story of the tragic murder of George Floyd is continuing to unfold, and many are fighting to seek justice on his behalf. If you feel moved by his story and want to donate directly to his family you can do so here.
I'll just let NAACP's own objectives do the talking:
"Ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of all citizens
Achieve equality of rights and eliminate race prejudice among the citizens of the USA
Remove all barriers of racial discrimination through democratic processes
Seek enactment and enforcement of federal, state, and local laws securing civil rights
Inform the public of the adverse effects of racial discrimination and to seek its elimination
Educate persons as to their constitutional rights and to take all lawful action to secure the exercise thereof, and to take any other lawful action in furtherance of these objectives, consistent with the NAACP’s Articles of Incorporation and this Constitution."
We are only beginning to see what many black, Indigenous, and people of colour have known and lived all their lives. Racism is systemic, and never went anywhere. This Article from The Atlantic spells it out really well. It touches on a myriad of current racial issues including the tragic shooting of Ahmaud Marquez Arbery. This family is desperately fighting to get justice for their murdered son. You can donate here. Even with all the media attention it is still going to be an uphill battle, and I'm sure they can use all the support they can get.
The final organization on the list. Founded in 2013 in response to the murder of Trayvon Martin, Black Lives Matter is now a global organization that has chapters in major cities in multiple countries. They are not only raising awareness but are organizing campaigns, rallies, and protests in response to needless violence against black people. They are advocating on behalf of those that the law fails to advocate for.
I am still learning. I am just taking my first steps in trying to be a part of the solution. Join me.
For more resources, including articles and podcasts you can check out this list provided by those behind The Show Must Be Paused movement.
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