Following the lead of The Movement for Black Lives and local Black organizations on the ground across the country, we’re encouraging people to donate to bail funds, support protests, and push forward efforts to defund the police this week in response to ongoing and historic police brutality against Black communities.
We also recognize the need for rest and healing, as many of us are feeling exhausted by this all-too-familiar cycle.
Below we’ve compiled some resources for these various ways of responding right now:
DONATE
Supporting Protestors
Blavity has compiled a list of Black organizations to donate to for bail out and protests efforts nationwide. Community Justice Exchange and National Bail Fund Network also maintain a comprehensive list of bail funds across the country with links to learn more.
Mutual Aid Funds
Since many bail funds are receiving donations at this time, also consider supporting local mutual aid funds, which are providing essential resources in response to both COVID-19 and the curfews being implemented nationwide. This Twitter thread has links to many around the country, including in Philadelphia.
Art for Philadelphia Community Bail Fund
Curator Meg Onli (2018 BSFF Festival Director) has organized this initiative which features Philadelphia-based artists to raise money in support of Philadelphia Community Bail Fund. Artists include Jonathan Lyndon Chase, David Hartt, Marcus Maddox, and Tiona Nekkia McClodden. For more info or to purchase a limited edition print visit artforphiladelphia.com.
The Movement for Black Lives
The Movement for Black Lives has specific calls to action for each day this week and ways of getting involved. Learn more here.
Defund the Police
Philly We Rise is calling on community members to email Philadelphia City Council members and sign a petition calling for the defunding of the police in the City’s budget, which currently includes a $14 million dollar budget increase for the Philadelphia Police Department.
Similarly, in Los Angeles, a number of groups — including Black Lives Matter LA and Dignity and Power Now — have developed People’s Budget LA, which calls on the city council to “fund services, not police.”
Ethel’s Club Group Sessions for the Black Community
Ethel’s Club is hosting two free, one hour virtual group healing & grieving sessions open to Black people across the world. See open dates and RSVP here.
Virtual Mental Health Resources
Jesse Sparks at healthyish has compiled a list of online resources providing virtual support to the Black community right now, including The Nap Ministry, which champions “Black rest as a form of reparations and resistance against burnout culture and capitalism.”