By Kelcie McKenney
On May 25, George Floyd was killed by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. With Chauvin’s knee pressed into the back of Floyd’s neck, Floyd said, “Please, I can’t breathe.”
Protests continue in Minneapolis and nationwide. (Stay up-to-date from CNN.) Whether you are located in Minneapolis or not, there are ways to support justice for George Floyd. Attend a local protest happening in your community. If you don’t feel safe attending, offer to provide rides for friends or help deliver supplies—such as snacks, water, or gallons of milk for protesters in Minneapolis facing police tear-gassing. Speak up when you see injustices take place. Start a dialogue at home and online with friends and family about why we are outraged and why it’s our responsibility to support the Black community now.
Minnesota Freedom Fund
Financially support bail-outs for protesters and other activism projects.
Minnesota ACLU
Support legal programming and the fight for Minnesotan civil liberties.
Black Visions Collective
Support Black liberation and collective liberation.
Communities Against Police Brutality
Twin-Cities based organization that was created to deal with police brutality on an ongoing basis.
Reclaim the Block
Organization fighting to direct Minneapolis funds towards community safety.
Donate to a Local Food Shelf
Provide Minneapolis residents with access to food.
Minneapolis Food Shelf Organizations
Remember, it is not the job of Black people and people of color to use emotional labor to explain to white people how they are feeling. Black communities are hurt, grieving, and exhausted. The best way white people can be supportive is by donating and promoting donations to the organizations featured above and starting conversations with those around us who still don’t get it.
Kelcie McKenney is a writer, editor, and artist who is passionate about feminism. She currently works as Digital Editor at The Pitch , where she writes and edits for Kansas City’s alternative magazine. You can find Kelcie on Instagram with #kcdaddy, where she talks about her three-legged cat Luna, dank memes, and ways to overthrow the patriarchy.
Catcall 