How You Can Help The Black Lives Matter Movement, No Cash Required
WRITTEN BY Drew Goretzka, Olivia Simone, Maggie Francis, Sean Kennedy
Spartan Blockchain Solutions was founded with the idea of inclusiveness in mind. It has been a tenant in our firm’s methodology since the beginning, and as such we support any organization that is fighting against inequality, racial or otherwise, at home and abroad. The Black Lives Matter organization and movement aims to end the systemic racism plaguing our country and world, from combating police brutality to creating a safe space for victims of such hate crimes.
Like many organizations in the student, nonprofit or technology spaces, SBS has been searching for ways to both directly support Black Lives Matter and encourage others to do so.
Donating to charities, organizations and causes related to the movement is first and foremost the most impactful way someone can support the cause. However, SBS also realizes that many would-be donors simply don’t have the cash flow to give to these organizations. Given that SBS is a community of students, many expressed how much they wanted to help but were unable to due to a tight budget.
We have compiled for you a multitude of ways you can contribute to the Black Lives Matter movement through your time and/or money. Outlined below are resources free-of-charge, such as petitions and emails that will only take a few minutes of your time. Additionally, we have provided a list of organizations that are accepting donations big or small.
We encourage all members, followers, and supporters of the movement to share these resources and take action.
METHOD 1: SIGNING PETITIONS
Petitions are nothing new in the world of social justice. For decades they have been an effective tool in an activist’s arsenal. Below are six petitions that aim to seek justice for victims of police brutality, repeal laws allowing such actions to happen or enact new legislation.
Justice For George Floyd: Focused on gaining the attention of Mayor Jacob Frey of Minneapolis and bringing the officers involved in the murder of George Floyd to justice.
Justice For Breonna Taylor: Focused on bringing the officers responsible for Breonna Taylor’s death to justice, appointing a special prosecutor to her case and ending “no-knock” warrants through Congressional legislation.
Justice For Ahmaud Arbery: Focused on having charges filed and convictions handed down to those responsible for Ahamud Arbery’s death.
Repeal 50-A: Focused on repealing a New York State law that stifles police transparency and accountability.
Hands Up Act: Focused on enacting legislation that would make it illegal and punishable by prison time for a police officer to kill an unarmed suspect.
Ban Rubber Bullets: Focused on banning or severely limited the use of rubber bullets by law enforcement for riot control.
METHOD 2: EMAIL GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS
Yet another historically effective tactic by activists, emailing government officials sets the tone for what legislation they will vote for. As public servants, it is required that these officials listen to their constituents regarding their wants and needs. It is imperative to show your local leaders that you want and need changes regarding policing in the United States.
As our organization is based in Michigan, we have included the information for the state’s federal senators and representatives below. However, contacting your local officials or state legislators is also important. Follow this link to find your elected official’s contact information if not listed below.
FEDERAL REPRESENTATIVES, BY DISTRICT
1st District — Congressman Jack Bergman
2nd District — Congressman Bill Huizenga
3rd District — Congressman Justin Amash
4th District — Congressman John Moolenaar
5th District — Congressman Dan Kildree
6th District — Congressman Fred Upton
7th District — Congressman Tim Walberg
8th District — Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin
9th District — Congressman Andy Levin
10th District — Congressman Paul Mitchell
11th District — Congresswoman Haley Stevens
12th District — Congresswoman Debbie Dingell
13th District — Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib
14th District — Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence
FEDERAL SENATORS: Senator Debbie Stabenow and Senator Gary Peters
GOVERNOR: Governor Gretchen Whitmer
METHOD 3: REGISTER TO VOTE
Voting is a guaranteed right to almost every citizen of the United States of America, and it is arguably the citizen’s most powerful tool to enact change. In order to change how the police function in this country, we must elect officials that want to do just that.
Register to vote at vote.org.
METHOD 4: EDUCATE YOURSELF
Many Americans have the privilege of not encountering any form of racism in their life. As such, it is imperative that all people educate themselves on the issues, including police brutality, African-Americans and other minority groups face every day. Below is a list of documentaries and books that can serve as learning tools, and as such give you the knowledge to better understand and support the movement.
DOCUMENTARIES
“13th”: This documentary explores the roots of racism deeply embedded in the policing system of the U.S.. Available on Netflix.
“I Am Not Your Negro”: Focusing on the writings of James Baldwin, this documentary shows how racism negatively affects both the oppressed and the oppressor. Available on Amazon Prime.
“Crime + Punishment”: This documentary looks into the New York City Police Department, and how it is supported by a wall of silence…and the persecution of black men and women. Available on Hulu.
“Whose Streets?”: This documentary focuses on the 2014 Ferguson riots, and the motivations of the organizations stemmed from them. Available on Hulu.
“3 ½ Minutes, 10 Bullets”: This documentary examines the “Stand Your Ground Law”, and looks at both the killing of Trayvon Martin and another African American teenager justified via the policy. Available on HBO.
BOOKS
We at SBS also heavily encourage readers to buy from black-owned bookstores. You can find one in your state by following this link. As this is an article focusing on free ways to help, seek these books out at your local library if you don’t have the funds to buy.
“So You Want To Talk About Race” by Ijeoma Oluo: This book intends to encourage people of all colors to talk about racism and the inequalities that come with it. Topics of systematic racism to microaggressions are covered.
“Black Americans” by Alphonso Pinkney: This book covers the systemic racism that black people and other minorities face in everyday life- from public health issues to police brutality.
“How To Be Antiracist” by Ibram X. Kendi: This book outlines the racial inequalities present in the nation, and how every person can have a part in ending them.
“Freedom Is A Constant Struggle” by Angela Davis: Author Angela Davis discusses Ferguson, Palestine, and prison abolition in this book
METHOD 5: DONATE
While this article is meant to be a resource for free ways to support the movement, we at SBS still heavily encourage donating to one of the plethora of organizations below.
The National Police Accountability Project: NPAP is a non-profit affiliated with the National Lawyers Guild that promotes the accountability of law enforcement and their officers, as well as the protection of civil rights.
National Bail Out: A collective of black led and centered abolitionist organizers, activists, and lawyers whose ultimate goal is to end systems of pretrial detention and mass incarceration.
Black Lives Matter: The Black Lives Matter Foundation aims to eradicate white supremacy and build local power to mediate violence inflicted on Black communities.
Black Visions Collective : This organization believes in a future where all Black people have autonomy and healthy and safe relations within their ecosystems. Black Visions Collective ultimately aims for Black liberation as well as collective liberation
The Innocence Project: This organization helps exonerate those who are wrongfully convicted through DNA testing and actively work on reforming the criminal justice system to prevent future injustices.
WHAT SBS IS DOING, FROM VICE PRESIDENT OF DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION MAGGIE FRANCIS
Spartan Blockchain Solutions stands by four pillars that we’ve used to build our organization: Motivate, Educate, Innovate, and Collaborate.
As a student run, non-profit organization in the technology industry we strongly value diversity and inclusion. We have recognized the lack of diversity within the industry and have actively strived to make a change by creating the executive role of Vice President of Diversity & Inclusion. Our hope is to create a safe space for all kinds of individuals interested in Blockchain technology. Since the foundation of this firm, we have worked hard to make sure we provide opportunities for students to learn and work within the Blockchain space, regardless of their race, gender or other defining characteristics.
We stand against all forms of racism, systemic bias, and the unjust treatment of individuals in our community. We want to help support students at Michigan State University who are affected daily as well as educate students who are unaware of why the Black Lives Matter movement is important. It’s a complex issue, but we encourage every person to educate themselves, innovate new ideas, motivate others, and collaborate with other students to help fight for this issue and make a difference.
Spartans Will.
