black lives still matter
June 7, 2020
Every few years we seem to make our way back to a conversation that many are afforded the privilege of not having to think about daily. Race is here. Never mind that race is always here, but it is now happening in a way that we can’t ignore. In the wake of the deaths of George Floyd Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, & a handful of other names it merely hurts to mention, a pandemic and subsequent quarantine that has us all going a little stir crazy, and frustration at a president with less brain cells than a banana that has done nothing but “stoke the fires of white supremacy” (thank you Taylor Swift) protests have erupted all across the country. I admire the resiliency, tenacity, and outpouring of love from my people and our allies as we come together to demand justice for those whose lives have been unjustly cut short at the hands of the police. Protest movements have long played a critical role in our plight for social justice, especially here in the south. In Atlanta we’re going on our 9th day of demonstrations in an attempt to denounce police brutality and foster much-needed change in our community. Below are some photographs from my experiences on the streets and resources to help those fighting for equal freedoms.
Local Resources
Black Lives Matter ATL — The Atlanta chapter of the organization committed to collectively, lovingly and courageously working for freedom and justice for all Black people (and by extension all people) regardless of actual or perceived sexual identity, gender expression, economic or educational status, ability or disability, religious beliefs or disbeliefs, immigration or incarceration status or location
Atlanta Solidarity Fund — A fund to support people in Atlanta who have been arrested for taking action against social injustice. Focused primarily on bailing out arrestees, with priority for those who have the most need.
Metro Atlanta Mutual Aid Fund — The Metro Atlanta Mutual Aid Fund was created by community members form metro-Atlanta who have witnessed the needs of their neighbors in this time of crisis. While COVID-19 is a health pandemic, it has crippled economies and interrupted markets, causing wide-spread unemployment. Our concern is not with fixing the economy but instead with meeting the needs of people left with uncertainty and disruption.
Athens Freedom Fund — The Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement (“AADM,” or the “Organization”) advocates for racial and social justice and strives to combat discrimination through education and activism.
Adam D. Brown — Defense attorney in the Atlanta area offering pro bono legal aid to protesters.
Georgia Equality — Georgia Equality’s mission is to advance fairness, safety, and opportunity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender, communities and our allies throughout the state.
Advancing the Lives (ATL) of the Black Community — A kickstarter spearheaded by Atlanta Falcon’s quarterback Matt Ryan committed to improving the community for Black people of color in the Atlanta area.
Sister Song — Sistersong’s mission is to strengthen and amplify the collective voices of indigenous women and women of color to achieve reproductive justice by eradicating reproductive oppression and securing human rights.
ABOBR — The Atlanta Black Owned Business Relief is a developing organization founded by a group of Black women in Atlanta. This is a fundraiser for the Black-owned businesses in Atlanta affected by the pandemic and protests. Funds will be used to support and repair the damages that occur during protests and rioting.
SAAFON - SAAFON works to strengthen Black farmers’ collective power to build an alternative food system rooted in progressive values.
Local Petitions
If you cannot donate, protest. If you’re not comfortable protesting sign petitions, create artwork, contact your local government officials to advocate for anti-racist policies, continue to read and educate yourself and your peers on the systemic oppression continuing in this country and all over the world. Take personal inventory of the different areas in your life in which you may benefit from and privilege use your resources to create opportunities for those who may not have them.
Drop in. Do the work. Really reflect. It’s possible to even do something so simple as putting a sign or banner on your balcony or in your window as a show of solidarity. The work cannot stop now. “Three hundred years of humiliation, abuse, and deprivation cannot be expected to find voice in a whisper.” (MLK)
