The murder of George Floyd has renewed our resolve to build a more equitable society.
Since NOW’s founding, racial justice has been a core issue, but dismantling racism requires more of us than protesting. And the burden must not be on the shoulders of people of color. We believe the best way to honor the memory of George Floyd and all the other victims of racism is to work with allies to dismantle racial injustice. We present just some of the resources available. Please look at Black Lives Matter - prayerful, angry, reflective.
Take Action With and Support Organizations Working for Change (we offer these resources with thanks to Charlottesville NOW President Charlotte Gibson for her research and leadership):
4PM, TODAY, WEDNESDAY JUNE 10
The Women's March and Poor People's Campaign Zoom webinar about understanding and transforming white womanhood in the pursuit of true racial justice.
5PM, THURSDAY, JUNE 18
A discussion on the Equal Rights Amendment and its impact on the rights of girls and women of color. Panelists include Delegate Jennifer Carroll Foy, Jamia Wilson, Soraya Chemaly, Ilyasah Shabbaz, Ashley Sawyer, and Mona Sinha. Facebook and Zoom. Sign up
Fight for equality with the NAACP’s "We are done dying" campaign. Donate to the NAACP or join the NAACP . You can also donate to the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund .
The Bail Project, Inc. combats mass incarceration at the front end of the system. The National Revolving Bail Fund pays bail for people in need, reuniting families and restoring the presumption of innocence. Because bail is returned at the end of a case, donations to the fund are recycled and reused to pay bail multiple times, maximizing the impact of every dollar donated. In Virginia, you can donate directly to the Richmond Community Bail Fund https://rvabailfund.org
A national organization, Higher Heights for America, and its sister organization Higher Heights Leadership Fund are building the political power and leadership of Black women from the voting booth to elected office and creating the environment for Black women to run, win and lead to advance progressive policies.
From Corinne Shutack in Medium August 2017 (and continually updated to remain relevant today) there is 75 Things White People Can Do for Racial Justice .
Continuously Educate Yourself
Fairfax County library's website resources on fighting racism include books, movies, television programs, and more, most readily accessible.
From Ms. Magazine, award-winning historian Keisha N. Blain shares some of the most vital books to read on race: Recommended Books by Women to Understand the Uprisings
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture has just launched Talking About Race , an online portal to help individuals, families, and communities talk about racism, racial identity and the way these forces shape every aspect of society. The portal provides digital tools, online exercises, video instructions, scholarly articles and more than 100 multi-media resources tailored for educators, parents and caregivers--and individuals committed to racial equality.
Coursera has curated a collection of free courses from world-renowned experts and thought leaders for those who want to confront racism and learn more about social justice and racial inequality.
African Americans in most states are suffering greater impact from the pandemic. An NPR analysis on incomplete but growing data found that "in 32 states plus Washington D.C., blacks are dying at rates higher than their proportion of the population. In 21 states, it's substantially higher, more than 50% above what would be expected." The May 30 article, What Do Coronavirus Racial Disparities Look Like State By State includes a great visual representation.