The current state of affairs, is unfortunately something we are all too familiar with, and we’ve reached the point where enough is enough. If you want to propel change you can act now, and do so by supporting the following:
1. Join the #WeAreDoneDying campaign through the NAACP, to target not only justice for George Floyd and the numerous other brothers and sisters who have been victims of routine brutalization, but additionally for the ongoing disparate negative impacts of COVID-19 on communities of color that persist because of systemic racism. Reach out to your local NAACP branch to see how you can impact your local community.
2. Sign the Change.org petition for George Floyd, https://www.change.org/p/mayor-jacob-frey-justice-for-george-floyd
3. Support the Minnesota Freedom Fund which, works to provide legal support to protesters. https://minnesotafreedomfund.org/donate.
4. There are additional Bail Funds you can support as protests are taking place across the country, by using the Directory of Community Bail Funds, which provides a National Bail Fund Network in which you can search by state, city, and protest. https://www.communityjusticeexchange.org/nbfn-directory
5. Support the Resolution put forth by Congresswomen Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and Ilhan Omar (MN-05), and cosponsored by Katherine Clark (MA-05), condemning police brutality, racial profiling, and the excessive use of force. You can help by contacting your congressional district representative and encouraging them to support this resolution.
6. Campaign Zero is an online platform and organization that utilizes research-based policy solutions to end police violence. This organization keeps up to date progress on important legislation, and offers opportunities for activist engagement to foster new policy solution ideas.
7. If you’re looking to be an ally and gain a better understanding of oppression and inequity, check out this 21-Day Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge as a starting point. Another useful tool is the Guide To Allyship.
8. Lastly, acknowledge and accept that racism is alive and well. It is interwoven into every institution and system this country was built upon. The word racism in itself provokes feelings of guilt, shame, anger, unrest and more, but we cannot even begin to break down systemic racism unless we can start to normalize conversations around race. Don’t stay silent.
Arlington values equity, diversity, and inclusion. We are committed to building a community where everyone is heard, respected, and protected.
Email: ahrc@town.arlington.ma.us
Phone: 781-316-3250
By Mail: 27 Maple Street
Arlington, MA 02476