Racial Justice
2020 has been proclaimed as the worst year ever by many. Accentuated by a pandemic, accelerating climate change and a large social mismanagement of the two, this year has caused anxiety, economic and communal pain. Sparked by the unfortunate death of George Floyd, a global uprising for racial justice further sowed shakiness and frustration in the failure of societal structures. In one way or another, this year has touched all of us.
And yet, there have been moments that have united us. We’ve seen people from all walks of life, walk together for each other. We’ve seen increasing demand for reform in the systems and structures in our society. To me, it feels like 2020 was the wake up call for us to band together and create the change ourselves.
Now more than ever, we have to keep our involvement in our communities strong. Whether it’s donating to local or global causes, calling your elected officials to prioritize certain needs, or even wearing a mask when you leave your house, there’s a lot we can do to keep us progressing as a society.
Below is a non-exhaustive list of ways you can get involved. Consider this a starting point, it’s important that we don’t get complacent. We can’t win until we all win.
Prepare For Upcoming Elections
Do research on those running for office in your state, county and town.
Support the USPS - a critical component for safe and secure elections. You can buy stamps or follow the Postal Workers’ Union for more updates.
Call your reps and make your voice heard on the issues you care about most.
Organizations You Can Donate To
Directory to Black-Owned PDX Eateries
Learn More
Dive into the 8 Can’t Wait project from Campaign Zero
Read a List of Companies Supporting Trump and find alternative companies to shop with
Discover Anti-Racism Resources via this Google Spreadsheet
Read this National Resource List via Google Spreadsheets
Watch 13th by Ava DuVernay
Watch If Beale Street Could Talk by Barry Jenkins
Read a Huffpost article breaking down Amy Cooper’s racist actions towards Christian Cooper
Read Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Read about Systemic Racism in the US Criminal Justice System
Read Women, Race and Class by Angela Y. Davis
Read Globalism and the Prison Industrial Complex by Angela Y. Davis