The novel coronavirus has completely upended life as we know it, closing schools and houses of worship, leaving millions of Americans unemployed, and taking the lives of over 100,000 people. While the COVID-19 pandemic has caused many of us to reevaluate what's important in life, reconnect with loved ones, or just try to cope, it hasn't put an end to racism and the sad outcomes it causes.
This year alone, the senseless deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd have sparked outrage throughout the country, with many calling for justice. Politicians like Senator Kamala Harris called these deaths "public executions," while Senator Elizabeth Warren called the video of Arbery's horrific death — who was fatally shot after being followed by two white men — "deeply sickening."
Even under normal circumstances, when we're not holed up in our homes, incidents like these have been deeply troubling and painful. But as recent incidents of attacks on black men and women continue to fill our social media and news feeds, many who cannot safely leave their homes are wondering how they can stand along side those in the streets fighting for racial justice and equality.
If you’re unable to participate in a demonstration due to COVID-19, here are a few organizations you can support in the meantime.
The CRIB
The Center for Research & Innovation for Black Survivors of Homicide Victims is a multidisciplinary social work research centre focused on using community-based methods and principles to advance research, policy and practice for Black survivors of homicide victims. Since the impact of COVID-19, they’ve started a 30 @8:30 Instagram live event series that aims to investigate COVID-19’s impact on vulnerable populations throughout the global community.
Action Now
Action Now’s mission is to organize working families and strengthen their voices on issues of racial, social, and economic injustice. Movement for Black Lives is dedicated to reaching millions and mobilizing people for the purpose of ending all forms of violence against black people.
A Long Walk Home
A Long Walk Home’s mission is to empower artists and activists to end violence against girls and women, advocating for racial and gender equality in schools, communities, and throughout the country.
Movement for Black Lives
Movement for Black Lives is dedicated to reaching millions and mobilizing people for the purpose of ending all forms of violence against Black people
Black Women’s Blueprint
Black Women’s Blueprint provides a roadmap for black liberation through a feminist lens. Their mission is to have women and girls of African descent feel empowered.
Black Lives Matter
#BlackLivesMatter is a global organization founded after the killing of Trayvon Martin. Their mission is to eradicate white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence in black communities.
Black Youth Project 100
The Black Youth Project 100 is a member-based organization for young activists creating justice and freedom for all black people.
The NAACP
One of the oldest civil rights organization in the nation, the NAACP’s mission is to ensure a society in which all individuals have equal rights without discrimination based on race.
The ACLU
The ACLU is a nonprofit organization to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to every person in the U.S. by the Constitution.
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