Since the death of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, protests have appeared in at least 140 cities across the United States of America. Floyd’s death, which happened while in police custody, makes him one of the many black Americans who have died because of misconduct and violence in the justice system. While thousands of Americans (and millions of people globally) take to the streets to peacefully protest against the deaths of Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, and more, going out into the crowds isn’t the only way people can support the Black Lives Matter movement sweeping the nation.
There are plenty of ways to take action, including signing petitions, contacting your Senators and state officials, and donating to the various Black Lives Matter organizations that exist. Here are a few of those organizations you could donate to—every dollar counts.
George Floyd’s Family: Philonise Floyd, George Floyd’s brother, created a GoFundMe page not only to help cover the funeral and burial expenses but also to support the Floyd family during this difficult time. You can find the GoFundMe page here.
The NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund: Founded in 1957 by Thurgood Marshall, the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund exists nationwide to not only stand up for racial justice but also investigate into murders with police involvement. Its mission statement is on its donation page: “Donate today to help us win landmark legal battles, protect voters across the nation, and advance the cause of racial justice, equality, and an inclusive society.”
Dignity and Power Now: Dignity and Power Now, or DPN, is a Los Angeles based organization aiming to help incarcerated individuals, their families, and their communities. Since 2012, DPN has created and offered programs with a clear focus on activism, health and wellness, and leadership. You can support them by donating through PayPal.
The Okra Project: The Okra Project focuses particularly on assisting black transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals by bringing them fresh, healthy, homecooked meals, as well as other resources when they’re able to—all at no cost to the individuals being helped. Donations are used to buy the supplies needed and pay the black trans chefs who make the meals for others. Each session is estimated to cost the Okra Project about $90, so every donation counts. You can support them however you can on their website.