Circle of Women is deeply saddened by the wrongful murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and countless others. These recent events of senseless police brutality have reverberated throughout the United States, as they rightfully should. And yet, we must acknowledge that our current awareness and outrage is not nearly enough to address the centuries of oppression Black Americans have faced at the hands of the American government, citizenry, and law enforcement officials.
Circle of Women has long dedicated itself to a particular mission of education—particularly educating girls worldwide—but now is the time to rise up and educate ourselves to fight yet another system built to entrench and sustain inequities in our society. We believe that action and education are inextricable in the healing process of a divisive system that has existed for centuries. In that vein, we have compiled a list of resources below to aid in both endeavors; as always, our own inbox at pr@circleofwomen.org is open for you to voice questions, concerns, or further reflections on these resources.
Organizations You Can Donate To:
The National Bail Fund Network provides a list of local bail funds you can contribute to.
Black Visions Collective is a Black, trans, and queer-led social justice organization and legal fund based in Minneapolis-St. Paul.
The Committee to Protect Journalists is fighting to keep our reporters free.
Protestors on the frontlines in Minnesota have set up a gas mask fund to protect against tear gas.
Ways to Petition and Contact Officials:
If you would like to press for defunding the police system in Minnesota specifically, Reclaim the Block currently has a petition, with its long-term goals involving affordable housing and improved mental health services.
Other Ways to Help:
Support #SayHerName, a movement calling attention to police brutality against Black women and girls, which demands their stories be heard by policymakers, the media, and all those that call for justice for the victims of police brutality. Sign-up on this Google Form to join their network, and begin advocating on social media.
While protestors require sustenance/PPE and many food pantries across the nation are in need, consider offering to drive someone in places where public transit has shut down.
Volunteer your time to local organizations, or help clean up local businesses.
Educational Resources:
Finally, it would be impossible to condense someone’s experience to one list of books, but the Cut offers an excellent list of readings to begin gaining awareness about racism and Black lives specifically.
Likewise, read the Changing Womxn Collective’s compiled document of Black Lives Matter funds, petitions, and action items, which includes extensive reading lists.
For all those affected, we recognize, resonate with, and seek to support you in your grief during this time. Please know that the Circle of Women Management Team stands with you, the Black community, and all people of color.