The recent deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, and countless others continue to resonate throughout the United States and beyond. It’s impossible to forget their stories.
George Floyd’s life ended after a police officer named Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for over eight minutes. Ahmaud Arbery was jogging in Atlanta when he caught the attention of former police officer Gregory McMichael, his son Travis, and their neighbor William Bryan; they proceeded to track him down and fatally shoot him. Breonna Taylor was killed after police forcefully entered her apartment with a no-knock warning, prompting her boyfriend to open fire; Taylor was shot eight times and pronounced dead at the scene.
They are but three Black Americans who lost their lives at the hands of police, victims of the oppression of systemic racism. These deaths have served as reminders of the challenges many Black Americans face on a daily basis. For many, that pain is a familiar one, having been experienced first hand. A battle long-fought, all toward a seemingly hopeless end. For others, it’s something understood from a distance, empathy felt through a lens of privilege. With the pain having reached an apex-- thousands upon thousands, all walks of life -- have taken to the streets in solidarity. Peaceful protests commemorating those who lost their lives, with protestors risking tear-gas, rubber bullets, and at worst, a fate that has been met far too often.
There are moments of sorrow; of further violence, wanton moments of destruction, and escalation from an increasingly militarized police force. It’s easy to piece together those moments and build a dangerous and unflattering narrative. But there are also moments of solidarity, of harmony between those seeking peace, equality, and justice. Moments between people willing to help each other, to put their bodies on the line and raise their voices in favor of change. To recognize hard truths about privilege and perspective. To offer monetary support to people in need, be it George Floyd’s Memorial Fund or bail assistance for those arrested while protesting.
If one thing has become abundantly clear, it’s that this is a cause that millions worldwide are willing to fight for. And make no mistake, there are many different means of contributing. In order to facilitate the process, we’ve assembled a list of resources for your perusal. Should you be interested in donating, attending a protest, signing a petition, or voicing your opinion to those in positions of power, here are some of the places to consider.
On behalf of HotNewHipHop, we send our support to the entire Black community and all of those doing their part to ensure that justice is achieved.
"Black Lives Matter Foundation, Inc is a global organization in the US, UK, and Canada, whose mission is to eradicate white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes."
"When You’re Done: Educate Yourself. This Doesn’t Go Away Once The Topic Isn’t 'Trending.'"
“This fundraiser was designed to assist Ahmaud's mother; Ms. Wanda Cooper-Jones and her immediate family with financial support during this extreme difficult time and in their struggle for justice for the murder of Ahmaud Marquez Arbery.”
“This fund is established to cover funeral and burial expenses, mental and grief counseling, lodging and travel for all court proceedings, and to assist our family in the days to come as we continue to seek justice for George. A portion of these funds will also go to the Estate of George Floyd for the benefit and care of his children and their educational fund.”
"On May 27th 2020, my sister Regis Korchinski Paquet, tragically lost her life, she was so special and meant the world to us. She was kind, beautiful and she will be missed beyond belief. We are asking the public to help with meeting are goal to get the proper justice we need."
"Over 1,000 people are killed by police every year in America. We are calling on local, state, and federal lawmakers to take immediate action to adopt data-driven policy solutions to end this violence and hold police accountable.”
“Each day, tens of thousands of LGBTQ people are held in jail or immigration detention because they cannot afford bail—for immigration status or charges like sleeping in public. With your help, the Freedom Fund posts bail to secure their release and safety.”
"We aim to center our work in healing and transformative justice principles, intentionally develop our organization's core “DNA” to ensure sustainability, and develop Minnesota’s emerging Black leadership to lead powerful campaigns."
"The central mission of NPAP is to promote the accountability of law enforcement officers and their employers for violations of the Constitution and the laws of the United States."
BAIL FUNDS
Bail Funds (Across The U.S.)
"A collection of community resources for protestors around the country."
"The Minnesota Freedom Fund pays criminal bail and immigration bond for those who cannot afford to as we seek to end discriminatory, coercive, and oppressive jailing."
"As the mayor and city council have sought to increase the LAPD's budget during a pandemic, and as police around the country continue to kill innocent people of color, we have taken to the street to protest the funding of state-sanctioned murder."
“Brooklyn Community Bail Fund secures the freedom of New Yorkers who would otherwise be detained pretrial due to their poverty alone. We are committed to challenging the criminalization of race, poverty and immigration status, the practice of putting a price on fundamental rights, and the persistent myth that bail is a necessary element of the justice system.”
"When activists face repression, we stand with them. We provide support for people who are arrested at protests, or otherwise prosecuted for their movement involvement."
"THE PHILADELPHIA BAIL FUND is a revolving fund that posts bail for people who are indigent and cannot afford bail. Our goal is to keep families and communities together and vigorously advocate for the end to cash bail in Philadelphia."
"Founded in 2018, Colorado Freedom Fund (CFF) is a revolving fund that pays ransom (posts money bond, pays cash bail) for people unable to afford the cost of buying their own freedom."
"The Louisville Community Bail Fund exists to not only bail out folks, but provide post-release support to get them from jail, fed, and to a situation of safety."
"In light of today's protest we are looking to generate funding to release and support protestors who end up incarcerated. This bail fund includes any legal fees that may be incurred. This fund is being created as a precautionary measure and if it turns out no arrests are made; all remaining funds will go directly to support the family of Regis Korchinski."
"It is our intention and hope to pay bond for everyone arrested at the protests right now."
"The Luke 4:18 Bail Fund is partnering with faith communities, currently and formerly incarcerated people, families impacted by the legal justice system, and funders to drastically reduce the jail population in Dallas County."
PETITIONS
Justice For Breonna Taylor
This petition demands that the officers involved must be charged -- specifically naming John Mattingly, Brett Hankison, and Myles Cosgrove-- among other points. Hit the link for more details.
This petition demands that all four officers involved in the death of George Floyd are charged, and calls upon Mayor Jacob Frey and DA Mike Freeman to act. Hit the link for more details.
This petition demands that all four officers involved in the death of George Floyd are charged, and calls upon Mayor Jacob Frey and DA Mike Freeman to act. Hit the link for more details.
Hennepin County Attorney
For those who seek to contact D.A. Mike Freeman with demands for justice:
Phone: 612-348-5550
Email: citizeninfo@hennepin.us
Text "FLOYD" to 55156
DEFUND THE POLICE (BLM)
"Enough is enough. We call for radical, sustainable solutions that affirms the prosperity of Black lives throughout America. Sign the petition right now and call on our cities and states to #DefundThePolice."
A petition that seeks to reject the L.A. Mayor's proposed "People's Budget," where 54 percent of the funds are allocated to the police.
A petition inviting Minneapolis citizens to take a stand in favor of defunding the police budget, focusing instead on means prioritize health and safety in Black communities, Indigenous communities, and communities of color.