How You Can Help
Words by A-ZINE
It’s impossible to concentrate on anything else right now, and equally impossible to find the right words to say.
Following a string of consistent and ongoing injustices in the US, and tipped over the edge by the brutal murder of George Floyd, crowds have gathered to demand justice for Floyd, for Breonna Taylor for Ahmaud Arbery, and all other victims of police brutality and racially biased law enforcement.
There’s a million other posts and links that are being shared like this, but as many revel in feelings of shock, helplessness and confusion, it’s in our collective social responsibility to share this burden, in life and not just on social media.
Please comment, email or DM us any other resources and we will add them to the lists. For us all to revisit, again and again.
Donate
This one is pretty self explanatory, so here’s a growing list of of places to donate.
A comprehensive google doc of bail out funds for each US state
Colin Kaepernick’s Know Your Rights Camp
Justice for David Dungay Junior, Yuendumu and Tanya Day
Pay the Rent
In addition to donations, you can financially support First Nations organisations and funds and recognise that you live and work on stolen land. Pay the rightful owners of the land we use and move around. Research and donate to either a not-for-profit to that is specific to your lived experience or one that works holistically.
ANTaR (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Reference Group) have a monthly donation function that promotes regular monetary support for First Nation’s communities.
Protests and Petitions
If you feel safe and are in a position to do so, consider attending a protest in your area. Remember your PPE and social distancing, with consideration in your behaviour for your community before and after the protest. If you can’t protest or don’t feel comfortable, petitions are another way to show your support from home.
Melbourne Rally - Stop Black Deaths In Custody - Justice for George Floyd #BLM
Brisbane Rally - Black Lives Matter - Stop Black Deaths In Custody Meanjin (BNE)
Colour for Change #JusticeForFloyd Petition
Change.org Justice for George Floyd
The Minneapolis Police Officers to be charged for murder after killing innocent black man
Read, Listen and Watch
For those who love to read, listen to podcasts and watch docos, there’s a plethora of incredibly produced content out there covering issues of racial tensions and inequality. Friend and fellow writer, Jasmine Wallis, wrote a wonderful list of sources to find information about anti-racism for GenZine which you can find here. Here’s some of our favourites from the list and from our own consumption:
Still Processing - NYT Podcast
When They See Us - Netflix (and it’s digital learning companion)
13th - Netflix
BlacKKKlansman - Netflix
The Swan Book and Carpentaria - Alexis Wright
Why I’m No Longer Talking To White People About Race - Reni Eddo-Lodge
The New Jim Crow - Michelle Alexander
Hood Feminism - Mikki Kendall
How To Be An Antiracist - Ibram X. Kendi
Social Media
Engaging with and sharing posts that bring the severity of racial tension to light may be the easiest way to help. Although its effects aren’t tangible, spreading the word and stories of POC is a good first step. But note, these issues should still be talked about and shared around beyond the current crisis. Not just now, but always.
Aretha BrownEducate Yourself
Google has all of the answers. Start seeking them out. If you’re confused, take your education into your own hands and steer clear of expecting People of Colour to explain their trauma to you. Learn about your local, state and federal parties and politicians. What is their stance in relation to the treatment of First Nations communities or people of colour? Actually take the time to invest in your communities. Use your vote and your voice for good.
Widen Your Horizons
Buy from locally owned, independent Indigenous and Black owned companies. Whether it be clothing, food, art, books - try to first, look beyond large corporations and support those impacted by systemic racism at a micro level. Here’s some Indigenous owned brands, companies and artists we love to get you started.