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On May 25, Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin killed George Floyd by kneeling on his neck for more than eight minutes while other officers looked on. Chauvin was arrested and charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter on May 29, but the incident - captured on video and stemming from a history of police brutality against people of color - has sparked outrage across the world.
George Floyd’s death is not an isolated incident. On March 13, Breonna Taylor died after being shot eight times when police raided the wrong house. On February 23, Ahmaud Arbery was shot dead by two white men while out jogging. It took 74 days for the suspects to be arrested, despite clear video evidence.
In support of the protests against racial injustice, we are sharing some resources that we hope will help. These include links to donations and charities, literature and other media, as well as advice on how to stay safe while protesting.
Where to donate
These funds are set up to help protesters, the families of victims, and black businesses and charities around the United States (and internationally). If you're able, consider setting up a recurring donation to one of the organizations below, to help provide sustained support beyond this moment.
Campaign Zero (opens in new tab) - Launched by Black Lives Matter activists, Campaign Zero is a national organization that works with law-makers at every level to end police brutality and systemic racism through thoroughly researched policy solutions.
Reclaim the Block (opens in new tab) - Founded in 2015, this group organizes the local Minneapolis community and city council to redirect funding away from the police department and into other initiatives that promote health and safety.
Black Lives Matter resources (opens in new tab) - The Black Lives Matter website linked here includes a comprehensive list of places to donate: To victims, protesters, black businesses, legal defense funds, and small and large fundraisers supporting black communities and the Black Lives Matter movement.
The Marshall Project (opens in new tab) - Nonprofit journalism "that seeks to create and sustain a sense of national urgency about the U.S. criminal justice system."
NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund (opens in new tab) - This is one of America's biggest legal organizations fighting for racial justice. Much of its efforts are focused on litigation, education, and advocacy.
Bail funds (opens in new tab) - An organized list of places to donate if you wish to contribute to bail funds going to arrested protesters in Minneapolis, Atlanta, New York, and many other cities. ActBlue (opens in new tab) will allow you to easily split a donation to many funds, but keep in mind the organization takes its own transaction fee.
Writings and resources
Coming to terms with the events of this past week isn't easy. The violence and anger is, at times, almost incomprehensible. As we all struggle to cope and understand how we can make a difference, we've found some videos, books, and articles to be helpful. We've sought to include a mix of educational materials that provide context and expand understanding.
7 Virtual Mental Health Resources Supporting Black People Right Now (opens in new tab) - For readers who need emotional support, writer Jesse Sparks has compiled a list of virtual mental health resources serving the black community. Also see Black Girls Smile's list of resources (opens in new tab).
Bad Form Review's reading list (opens in new tab) - Books on systemic racism in America, the Black Lives Matter movement, social justice, and more, with links to independent bookstores.
For our white friends desiring to be allies (opens in new tab) - Courtney Ariel's article is a great outline for white people who want to help lift up others without inadvertently making the conversation about them.
Anti-Racism Resources for White People (opens in new tab) - An exhaustive list of anti-racism media including movies to watch, essays to read, and people to follow to further educate yourself.
The Case for Reparations (opens in new tab) - A deeply reported article by Ta-Nehisi Coates that uses personal stories to explain the damage caused by centuries of racist government policy.
What does the demand to "defund police" mean? What about "prison abolition?" You probably won't hear mainstream politicians discussing these ideas, but you may see them on protest signs. If these demands are new to you, abolitionist @jaybeware briefly explains them in a Twitter thread (opens in new tab) which provides links to books and essays that expand on the topics. Also see the book 'Are Prisons Obsolete?' by Angela Davis.
Protests
If you plan to join a physical protest, here are some useful links to make sure you have everything you need to stay safe.
What to bring to a peaceful protest (opens in new tab) - Vice's guide on what to take with you to a protest.
Protect your protest (opens in new tab) - An in-depth plan for keeping yourself and others safe during a protest.
How to Cop-Proof Your Phone Before Heading to a Protest (opens in new tab) - Gizmodo's how-to on protecting your phone data.
ACLU Know your rights (opens in new tab) - Everything you need to know about your rights as a protestor and what to do if you're detained by the police.
Protesting during a coronavirus pandemic: tips for staying safe
As the coronavirus pandemic continues, we need to ensure we're helping each other stay as safe as possible while attending a protest. This means adhering to official health protocols as much as possible while near other protesters to help reduce the risk of infection for yourself and for them. On a basic level, wear a well-fitting face mask and regularly use hand sanitizer until you can get to a place where you can wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
We recommend reading the following articles for tips on how to protest safer during the coronavirus pandemic:
Why wearing a mask is important when going to a protest (opens in new tab) – Healthline's guide clearly explains why a face covering is essential.
How to more safely protest in a pandemic (opens in new tab) – Vox's guide to protecting yourself as much as possible from infection while in the midst of a protest
Plan to protest? Here are tips to reduce the risk of spreading #COVID19:✔️Wear a face covering✔️Wear eye protection to prevent injury✔️Stay hydrated✔️Use hand sanitizer✔️Don't yell; use signs & noise makers instead✔️Stick to a small group✔️Keep 6 feet from other groupsMay 30, 2020
This article is being updated as the protests in the United States and across the world continue to evolve. If you have a suggestion for something that should be included here, please reach out to Editorial@toptenreviews.com (opens in new tab)
