Following the back-to-back murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, cities across the nation are rising up to demand justice. We are in a state of emergency and have been for quite some time. While we have everyone’s attention, it is imperative that we keep applying pressure until the whole damn system is overhauled. If you are looking for ways to get involved and make a difference, we’ve got you covered. There is no action too big or too small – every effort counts.
Pull Up to the Protest
If you are willing and able to pull up in person, Black Lives Matter LA and BLD PWR are teaming up for an organizing rally Sat. May 30 at Pan Pacific Park. BLM has been organizing around these issues for years and will be providing a space to outlet our justified rage and offer tangible solutions for our collective liberation. With everything going on, it may be easy to forget that we are in the middle of a pandemic. Be sure to protect yourself by bringing a mask along with signs and energy.
Organize Digitally
If you are unable to attend in-person demonstrations or simply feel uncomfortable/unsafe during this unprecedented time, that is perfectly fine. There is space and ample need for every type of support in the movement for Black lives. We are under physical attack in addition to trying to survive a global pandemic.
Ain’t no shame in the digital organizing game!
M4BL National Call In Defense of Black Life
Movement organizers across the country are hosting a call this Sat. May 30 at 10AM PT. Hear from Organizers in Minneapolis and across the country, who will share our demands and ways for folks to take action!
To register, click here.
Fight for a People’s Budget LA!
We are in the middle of an economic and health crisis. Rather than responding with additional resources and services for city residents, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti wants to: furlough city workers, increase overtime pay to LAPD, which already receives nearly 53% of the city’s discretionary spending budget, reduce city services and, reduce the budget of city departments.
Needless to say, cutting funding for pivotal community programs and funneling more money to the murderous LAPD is a direct threat to Black lives!
Learn more about the current state of affairs and take the People’s Budget LA survey here.
Donate!
Thousands of people are putting their lives on the line to demand that our voices are heard. Unfortunately, many of our comrades will be arrested and expected to post bail. Not to mention all of the vulnerable communities who are in need of basic supplies to keep the protests going for as long as required to secure justice and to abolish the police state entirely. For many, money is tight and/or uncertain right now. But for those who are able to donate, any contribution is much needed and appreciated.
See below for a shortlist of existing reputable organizations that have been doing the work in LA for a while.
Please send info for additional organizations that directly support LA protestors and/or the Movement for Black Lives to info@blkbkla.com
Dignity & Power Now | Donate Now
Dignity and Power Now (DPN) is a Los Angeles based grassroots organization founded in 2012 that fights for the dignity and power of all incarcerated people, their families, and communities. we have multiple programs centered around activism, health and wellness, and leadership building, including a coalition to end sheriff violence, a coalition to stop jail construction, an arts and wellness collective, a rapid response team of healers, and so much more. Immediate campaign focuses include establishing comprehensive and effective civilian oversight of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and allocating the money from LA County’s 3.5 billion dollar jail plan into mental health diversion programs and community resources.
The Bail Project | Donate Now
The Bail Project, Inc. is an unprecedented effort to combat mass incarceration at the front end of the system. We pay bail for people in need, reuniting families and restoring the presumption of innocence. Because bail is returned at the end of a case, donations to The Bail Project™ National Revolving Bail Fund can be recycled and reused to pay bail two to three times per year, maximizing the impact of every dollar.
100% of online donations are used to bring people home.
(In CA, bail services are provided in Compton and San Diego)
Black Lives Matter LA | Donate Now
#BlackLivesMatter-Los Angeles is the original chapter of the global movement built to challenge state-sanctioned violence against Black people and to vision and build a just and free society. Our work includes non-violent direct action, policy work, movement building, strengthing alliances, community self care, and creative engagement. We are not a direct service or charity organization. However, we are connected to, engage with, and provide as much support as possible to the families of those killed by law enforcement, many of whom have become members of BLMLA.
Support the People of Minneapolis, Louisville, and beyond!
TELL MINNEAPOLIS CITY COUNCIL TO DEFUND THE POLICE
To sign the petition, click here.
National Petition and Donation List (Working Doc)
Donate to the Louisville Community Bail Fund
The Louisville Community Bail Fund exists to not only bail out folks, but provide post-release support to get them from jail, fed, and to a situation of safety. LCBF also maintains a focus on preventative measures for those targeted by law enforcement and threatened with incarceration.
Donate to Reclaim the Block (Minneapolis)
Reclaim the Block is calling on our city to invest in violence prevention, housing, resources for youth, emergency mental health response teams, and solutions to the opioid crisis - not more police. We have no option but to start now.
Donate to North Star Health Collective
Your financial support enables us to build a stronger and more robust radical healthcare collective. Your commitment strengthens radical health care in Minnesota and beyond.
Donate to the Minnesota Freedom Fund
Every dollar of financial donations to Minnesota Freedom Fund helps us help free people. Support us — and them — today by making a one-time gift or setting up a recurring donation.
Donate to the Atlanta Solidarity Fund
We provide support for people who are arrested at protests, or otherwise prosecuted for their movement involvement.
Donate to Black Visions Collective
Black Visions Collective (BLVC) believes in a future where all Black people have autonomy, safety is community-led, and we are in right relationship within our ecosystems.