Stand Up & Help Make Sure Black Lives Matter
On May 25, 2020, George Floyd, a Black Minneapolis resident, was killed by police officers. Floyd was unarmed and was killed when an officer placed his knee on his neck and applied force, even after Floyd said, "I can't breathe," and the officer did not let up or allow EMS to attempt CPR until after Floyd was already dead. This is not an exception: it has become a rule. Black Americans are TWO to THREE TIMES more likely to be killed by police than white people, and they are also 1.3 times more likely to be unarmed when they are killed by officers who violated their own oaths to "serve and protect" all people.
After George Floyd's tragic death, one officer who killed him was arrested, but the other three have not been. Moreover, those in positions of power were already trying to undermine justice for Floyd, arguing that the cause of death was a heart attack, and that there were medical conditions and substances in Floyd's system that contributed to his death. This is outrageous--George Floyd did not die because of a medical condition or substance use--he died because a member of law enforcement killed him. In fact, 1,099 people were killed--that we know of--in 2019 alone because of police misconduct and brutality.
The very reason #BlackLivesMatter came about is because it is evident that Black people cannot take for granted that their lives have value, while white people can. The idea of "all lives matter" makes no sense, because if a residential street was on fire, and one house was ignored by the fire department , saying "all houses matter" would be pointless--the one house that was ignored would be the one given no value, while the others were deemed important enough to save.
It would be one thing if Floyd's death was the exception, but it' isn't--Sandra Bland, Breonna Taylor, and so many more have been killed because of police brutality. This has to stop.
The very reason #BlackLivesMatter came about is because it is evident that Black people cannot take for granted that their lives have value, while white people can. The idea of "all lives matter" makes no sense, because if a residential street was on fire, and one house was ignored by the fire department , saying "all houses matter" would be pointless--the one house that was ignored would be the one given no value, while the others were deemed important enough to save.
To stop these tragic and completely unacceptable deaths, we as a society must address systemic racism. Here are some ways you can honor George Floyd's memory (as well as his brothers and sisters who were killed before him) and help fight to dismantle racism.
Actions you can take
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Sign the NAACP's Petition
Sign the Petition
Sign the NAACP's petition to stop police brutality & murders of Black people.
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Donate to help Stop Systemic Racism
Donate
Donate to organizations working to end systemic racism.
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Call to Ensure Justice for George Floyd
Contact Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman to hold the county accountable for a fair trial and justice for George Floyd.
Call today or email!
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Share a Tweet to Spread Awareness
Share this article on how to be a better ally, so that these unacceptable and violent racism acts stop.
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Support Good Causes & Wear Your Heart on Your Sleeve
Shop
Our nonprofit has a #BlackLivesMatter line. For any merchandise purchased, we will donate 100% of the proceeds to Color of Change, the nation's largest online racial justice organization.
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Watch a Video About Police Violence Against Black Americans
Watch
Watch & share this video titled, "A Decade of Watching Black People Die."
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Donate to Breonna Taylor's Family
Give to Breonna's Family
Breonna Taylor was an emergency technician killed by law enforcement on May 13, 2020. Her 27th birthday would have been on June 5. Donate to help her family.
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Volunteer to Make a Difference
Volunteer
Be part of the solution--join Color of Change & help dismantle systemic racism.
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Donate to George Floyd's Family
Help George's Family
There is no price that can be put on a human life, but you can help George's family in their time of need & grief.
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Share a Video to Tell the Real Story
Share on Facebook
Some people are unaware of how prevalent police murders of Black people are. Share this video on Facebook to help let others know and spur change.
