Black Lives Matter
In light of recent events and the ongoing injustices people of color continue to face, we would like to provide support to all of our students and their families during this critical time. That said, til the end of June, all donations received will go towards Black Lives Matter charities such as Reclaim the Block. We will also be taking the extra time to provide resources for staying informed and creating a platform that promotes change. We encourage you to join us in this movement and remember, we are here for all of you.
Education & Media
Change occurs through unity, so it is important than no one remains silent. It’s okay to lack knowledge on the matter but it is imperative that we fill that gap. With hundreds of media outlets, it is easier than ever to hit play and immerse yourself in the issues of modern world and it’s roots. Most importantly, that knowledge must be shared with others.
Movies/TV Series
-13th
-When They See Us
-The Hate U Give
-Just Mercy
-Selma
Books
-The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander
-Born A Crime by Trevor Noah
-Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde
-So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
-Stamped by Ibram X. Kendi and Jason Reynolds
Music
-This Is America by Childish Gambino
-Changes by Tupac
-Don’t Shoot by The Game
-Freedom by Beyonce & Kendrick Lamar
-2020 Riots: How Many Times by Trey Songz
Petitions
Hands Up Act
Too many deaths have occured at the hands of police officers on the false pretense that the victim had a weapon. In response to this, the Hands Up Act is a proposed piece of legislation that suggests officers receive a mandatory 15-year prison sentence for the killing of unarmed men and women.
Justice for Beonna Taylor
Breonna Taylor was killed by Louisville police as they illegally executed a drug raid at the wrong address for a person they had already arrested earlier that day. An aspiring nurse, she had dedicated her whole life to serving others. Until her death Breonna had been working as an EMT in Louisville when the coronavirus pandemic hit, working at two hospitals to save lives in her community. She survived repeated exposure to COVID-19 only to have her life cut short by senseless police violence.
Justice for Tony McDade
Tony McDade a member of the LGBT community was victim to another act of police brutality in which unjustly killed. Police officers reported that Tony McDade was armed and dangerous, but camera recordings and eyewitnesses prove otherwise. The officers have still not been charged.
Get Schools To Speak Up
People all over the country are using their First Amendment right to speak up on the BLM movement. Now, people are asking all school board members and administrators to use their power and speak up for what’s right. Whether it is providing resources and petitions for students, or even showing your support for the Black Lives Matter movement, you have the power and influence to speak up. Schools are able to reach more than just the students and staff members; they have the ability to move communities.
Justice for Ahmaud Arbery
On February 23, 2020, Ahmaud Marquez Arbery, an unarmed 25-year-old African-American man, was fatally shot near Brunswick in Glynn County, Georgia, while jogging. Travis McMichael and Greg McMichael, believed that Ahmaud was the man behind a series of burglaries nearby due to nothing other than racial profiling and thus, took matters into their own hands. While the men have been arrested due to public outcries, they have significant ties to law enforcement which have enabled them to avoid proper justice.
Justice for George Floyd
On May 25th in Minneapolis, Minnesota George Floyd was choked to death by police officers on the count of just a twenty dollar counterfeit bill. Despite clear footage, it took hundreds of protest around the world to apprehend all four officers involved the death of George Floyd. But, the fight has not yet been won and we must ensure that these men are held accountable for their actions.
Donation Funds
Black Lives Matter Fund
“We appreciate your support of the movement and our ongoing fight to end state-sanctioned violence, liberate Black people, and end white supremacy forever.” - Black Lives Matter Org.
Small Business Relief
They started this campaign to support black owned businesses affected by COVID-19 and recent looting from protests. The current events have left many in a hopeless place with little aid from federal, state and local governments. They hope to provide aid for not only their business, but the wellbeing of owners and their families.
National Police Accountability Project
Police misconduct, including misconduct perpetrated by jail and prison personnel, continues to be one of the most serious violations of civil rights in the US Help NPAP work towards law enforcement accountability.
How to Contribute Without Money
Considering the past year, extreme financial burdens have been placed on individuals due to COVID-19. However, that should not stop us from being able to make a difference. Thankfully, there is an alternative. Simply watch the BLM video project on youtube video and all the Ad Revenue will be donated to organizations in support of black lives matter.
Black Owned Businesses
Semicolon Bookstore
Chicago’s only black woman-owned bookstore with a mission of changing the narrative. It fosters an safe space while maintaining incorporating some of Chicago’s amazing street art. It has books available that can be bought and shipped online
Ivy’s Tea Company
Ivy's Tea Co. is owned and operated by first-generation herbalist and Tea Bae, Shanae. Ivy's Tea Co. is a pop culture and Hip-Hop inspired holistic health brand. They have herbal tea and herb-infused sweeteners for the culture.
Black Nation
Want to support your local stores? Black Nation is an app that provides you with a list of black-owned businesses near you.