Even as national demonstrations calling for an end to racial injustice begin the thin-out across the country, the fight for a more fair system has only just begun. If you’ve become inspired in the last two weeks by watching the diverse intersection of Americans demanding an end to systemic racism, you may be wondering what is the best way to help the movement.
The short answer: Vote in every election.
But if you have the resources to contribute, consider one of the following organizations working to dismantle systemic racism and bring about justice for all people.
Victim Memorial funds
The following funds have been set up to benefit the families of victims of racist violence
- George Floyd Memorial Fund
- Gianna Floyd Fund
- I Run With Maud
- James Scurlock Memorial Fund
- Tony Mcdade Memorial Fund
- David McAtee Memorial Fund
- Justice for Breonna Taylor
Community restoration
Black businesses have been hit hard both in areas where mass protests led to property damage as well as by the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The following organizations help black businesses recover from this tough year.
- Mutual Aid
- Minnesota Rapid Response Coalition; Twin Cities, Minnesota
- The Lake Street Council; Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Pimento Relief Fund; Minneapolis, Minnesota
- West Broadway Business & Area Coalition; Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Rebuilding Oakland Black Businesses Fund; Oakland, California
- My Block My Hood My City; Chicago, Illinois
Police and Incarceration Reform
Broken and racist systems within American police departments have been a central issue of the current civil movement, but law enforcement is just a single facet of a larger criminal justice system that disproportionately punishes people of color. Consider the following groups that are pushing to reform policing and incarceration.
- The National Police Accountability Project
- Campaign Zero
- Communities United for Police Reform
- Communities United Against Police Brutality
- Equality for Flatbush; Brooklyn, New York
- Release Aging People in Prison
- No New Jails NYC
- Equal Justice Initiative
- Prison Book Program
- Dream Defenders
Bail funds
Excessive bail is often used to keep individuals detained as they await trial or an immigration hearing. While those who can afford to make bail can pay to await trial from their homes, those who lack the resources are forced to await their day in court from a jail cell. They are considered innocent until proven guilty. Consider donating to one of the following national or local groups that help those who cannot make bail.
- National Bail Fund Network
- The Bail Project
- National Bail Out
- National Bail Fund Network COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund
- Atlanta Solidarity Fund
- Louisville Community Bail Fund
- Chicago Community Bond Fund
- Philadelphia Bail Fund
- Nashville Community Bail Fund
- Dallas Bail Fund for Protesters
- People’s Program Bail Out Fund; Oakland, California
- Columbus Freedom Fund; Columbus, Ohio
Legal Defense
The legal process can be expensive and difficult to manage, especially for those who come from vulnerable communities. The following groups offer support to navigating the complex systems of courts, and provide legal aid to those in need.
- NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund
- Legal Rights Center
- Amistad Law Project
- Transgender Law Center Black LGBTQIA+ Migrant Project
- Moral Governance; San Diego, California
- Restoring Justice; Texas
Policy reform
Public protests are critical to making political priorities clear. But the goals of such demonstrations can only be achieved through actual policy. The following groups are working to advance policy that endorses equal justice under the law.
- American Civil Liberties Union
- Black Lives Matter Global Network
- Reclaim The Block
- Color of Change Education Fund
- Advancement Project
- Moms Demand Action; donations will be matched dollar for dollar by Everytown, Moms Demand Action’s parent organization
- Black Visions Collective: Minnesota
- Faith in Texas
- Take Action Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Austin Justice Coalition; Austin, Texas
- Dallas Alliance Against Racial and Political Repression; Dallas, Texas
- Pull Up or Shut Up
Voting Rights
Of course, policy does not change unless policymakers are held accountable. If you believe strongly in the issues raised by recent protests, it is imperative to vote in every election—national, state, or local. The following groups are working to expand free access to the polls, and to promote social justice-minded candidates.
- Fair Fight; (National, but centered in Georgia)
- Black Voters Matter Fund
- Woke Vote
- Higher Heights
- The Collective Political Action Committee