TAMPA, Fla. — Eleven days have passed since George Floyd, a Black American man, died while in the custody of a white Minneapolis police officer. The death of Floyd sparked peaceful protests across the United States and abroad.
The killing of an unarmed black man or woman is a story that we’ve read about in newspapers and watched on local and national news for decades.
This time around, it feels like more people are stepping up and voicing their frustration and pain. People from all walks of life are now trying to figure out the best way they can show solidarity and help the Black American community push for change.
“People have to get involved,” said Katrina Johnson, a social justice activist. “You have to figure out what's going on in your local community and how you can plug into it.”
Johnson became an activist after her cousin was killed by police in Seattle, Washington.
Once you know what’s going on in your community, Johnson said to pay attention to local politics. Know who the mayor is. Know who is part of City Council and who sits on the school board. “You start there, and then you just build that grassroots momentum with folks from all over.”
Most importantly, Johnson said including people from all backgrounds, including Black Americans, Asians, Native Americans, etc., is vital.
“You can really have a coalition built with all voices, all people, and that's big,” Johnson explained. We left no one out.”
That’s just the tip of the iceberg. Social media timelines are filled with examples of ways people can show solidarity.
Sign a petition
You don’t have to look far for a petition. There are several posted on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. You can find some on the website Change.org.
- #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd
- #JusticeForBreonnaTaylor
- #JusticeForAhmaudArbery
Get involved with an organization
Most Civil Rights-based organizations are actively engaged on social media. They use platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to keep the public informed of what’s taking shape within their communities.
- Black Lives Matter
- Color of Change
- NAACP
- Showing up for Racial Justice
- Reclaim the Block
- United We Dream
Stay active
Often times, when the protests are over and people have put down their signs, the discussion ends. But there are several things you can do to stay active for the cause.
- Register to vote
- Check-in with your Black friends, family, and colleagues
- Read memoirs, novels, and books written by Black authors
- What other people are reading right now:
- Read George Floyd’s full autopsy report
- Preparations underway for memorial services for George Floyd
- Chauvin charges elevated to 2nd-degree murder in Floyd's death, 3 other officers charged
- Gov. DeSantis says Phase 2 of reopening Florida begins Friday
- Police: Protester with loaded gun throws object at St. Pete police chief
- 20-year-old shot with 'less lethal' round at Austin protest, now in critical condition
- The will of 'Tiger King' star Carole Baskin's missing husband Don Lewis was forged, sheriff says
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