This is not a time for silence. Recently our CEO, Martin Eakes, released a statement that begins with this:
“There is a time for rage and anger, which unlike numbness, can be channeled into a re-commitment to working for justice and equality. Real people in the communities we serve are hurting and angry. We are hurting and angry, too.
Over the past several weeks, we have witnessed the unspeakable tragedies of George Floyd’s Minneapolis murder by police, Breonna Taylor’s assassination inside her Kentucky home, and Ahmaud Arbery’s shooting death in a Georgia neighborhood. These are just some of the names we know, and some of the most recent in a long list that extends over centuries.
We mourn with and for their loved ones, and for all the Black lives we have lost. We are angry at the injustices our communities face seemingly every day, sometimes reported in the news and sometimes nearly invisible.”
You can read the entire statement here.
We are continuing our longstanding commitment to racial and criminal justice. Most recently, Self-Help and CRL joined the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights’ letter to the Congress speaking out against violence against Black people and calling for necessary accountability and federal reform for police misconduct.
Ways to Help
We also are encouraging members and friends to donate to other organizations you believe in. Just be careful! Consumer advocates are reporting that, as people become more vulnerable, scammers are out in full force. (See this previous post for tips to avoid scams.)
If you are interested in donating and able, there are many organizations doing great work. Here we offer just a sample.
ACLU – for many years has helped protect Constitutional rights for all, especially those marginalized in our society.
Black Lives Matter – an international group organized by chapters whose goal is to create a world where violence is no longer inflicted on Black people.
Black Visions Collective – a Minnesota-based organization seeking justice for the Black community.
Black Youth Project 100 – founded in 2013, BYP100 is an African American youth organization that does community organizing, voter mobilization and other social justice campaigns.
Campaign Zero – organization dedicated to achieving police reforms.
Color of Change – advocates for Black communities in numerous ways, including ending cash bail and stopping anti-Black violence.
Community Bail Funds – provides a way to support protestors nationwide using a secure platform. The site automatically divides your donation or you can allocate a desired amount to a targeted fund.
Community Justice Exchange – a national resource for helping to fund bail in local areas, and works against mass incarceration.
Dream Defenders – Based in Florida, this group was formed after the murder of Trayvon Martin in Sanford, FL in 2012. (Recommended by Ben & Jerry’s)
Dream Corps (also known as #Cut50) – a bipartisan group based in Oakland, California with a strong focus on criminal justice reform.
Equal Justice Initiative - works to end mass incarceration, excessive punishment and racial inequality.
Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights – comprises a coalition of more than 200 groups dedicated to civil and human rights, including the Center for Responsible Lending.
Live Free USA – a coalition of faith-based congregations working to create a movement for racial and economic change by increasing civic engagement and economic investment in communities of color.
NAACP’s Legal Defense & Educational Fund - uses litigation, advocacy, and public education to work towards racial justice and equality for all Americans.
Poor People’s Campaign – Led by Reverend William Barber, this organization fights systemic racism and poverty.
Southern Poverty Law Center – based in Montgomery, Alabama, the SPLC addresses a number of pressing issues, with a strong emphasis on identifying hate groups and fighting for criminal justice reform.
We are happy to report that donation goals for the following funds have been exceeded, but they are still available for contributions:
George Floyd Memorial Fund
I Run with Maud – Justice for Amaud Arbery Fundraiser
Justice for Breonna Taylor Petition and Fundraiser
Finally, be sure to support black-owned businesses in your community, and volunteer your time and talents as you are able. We are grateful for the many helping hands during this difficult time.