May 31, 2020
Prejudice. Pain. And Compassion.
A message of solidarity and a call to action from AIGA Chicago
It’s a designer’s nature to question the world. It’s our responsibility to attempt to understand and solve the problems impacting individuals and systems. It’s human nature to console and comfort those around us.
America has witnessed yet another week of unbearable ugliness and violence. We’ve bared witness to incredible — and justifiable — sadness, anger, and unrest. The anguish we see boiling over nationwide is an expression of centuries of systemic racism, bigotry, oppression, and disparity toward Black people and people of color.
In this moment of pain and hopelessness within our country — as bodies fall and buildings burn — it’s natural to want to uncover a solution.
AIGA Chicago stands in steadfast solidarity with Black people and people of color suffering under the oppression and brutality running through our society.
We urge our design community to come together to support the individuals, organizations, and movements already working tirelessly for reform and societal change. They need our support more than ever right now.
It’s our duty as citizens to check in on one another, listen without judgment or solution, educate ourselves, and cease supporting organizations promoting hatred — explicitly or implicitly.
And it’s our moral obligation to remember: while media attention will undoubtedly subside, the fundamental issues impacting our society will not, unless we remain steadfast in our resolve and actions.
Our nation’s political dysfunction and racial inequality continue mounting while we are in the midst of a global pandemic compromising our health and livelihoods. Above all else, please stay safe and look out for one another.
If you’re unsure where to turn as you funnel passion and frustration into action, we urge you to consider the resources and initiatives below. And we implore you to share other resources with each other in equal measure.
Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (CAARPR)
Chicago Community Bond Fund | Ending Pretrial Detention
Communities United Against Police Brutality
#EndWhiteSilence Action Toolkit
Letters For Black Lives (multiple languages)
My Block My Hood My City: Small Business Relief Fund
NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc.
National Bail Fund Network — Community Justice Exchange
National Alliance Against Racist & Political Repression
Sanitation Protocol for Direct Action During COVID-19
Self-Care Tips for Black People Who Are Struggling With This Very Painful Week
AIGA Chicago is always working to embrace, amplify, and advance designers and the role of design in our community. If you have other resources, please share them with us in the comments of this post.
