Resources & Ways to Support Black Lives Matter
Black lives matter. We stand in solidarity with activists and organizers across the country and around the world who are mobilizing against state-sanctioned violence and systemic racism. We stand with artists using their platforms to galvanize community, activate critical dialogue, and bring beauty into this world. We stand in remembrance of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, David McAtee, Tony McDade, Breonna Taylor, and the countless other victims of racist violence.
We acknowledge that this is an ongoing movement to overcome centuries of insidious practices, which demands actively combating racism and speaking out against injustice. We need to raise our voices and continue to be vocal in support of widespread systemic change. If you’re able to, consider a contribution to the numerous organizations that are leading the movement for racial equality. We’ve compiled a list of some suggested places to start.
Education
The Black Lives Matter website provides tools for understanding the movement’s goals and resources for taking action.
The M4BL website outlines goals for a Week of Action in Defense of Black Lives, provides a Resource for Safety and Infiltration, and more.
A documentintended to serve as a resource to White people and parents to deepen our anti-racism work. It includes links to articles, books, videos, podcasts, film and television series, and more.
Artforum has created a reading list on the struggle against anti-Black violence, policing, and incarceration.
Building a Movement : A Virtual Town Hall with Minneapolis Organizers
June 18, 5–7pm ET
In this Town Hall, Race Forward creates a space for long-time Minneapolis organizers to tell the story of what’s been happening on the ground themselves.
Protest
ACLU lists your rights for organizing, attending, and documenting protests. A Spanish version is also available.
Notes for White People Taking Part in BLM Protests
American Friends Service Committee lists a few reminders to White people who plan to join the protests.
The National Lawyers Guild operates Legal Support Hotlines to provide support to those arrested at a political demonstration or planning an action with a high risk of arrest. Find and write down your local NLG chapter’s number as a precaution before attending a demonstration.
How to Protect Yourself and Those Around You
Harper’s Bazaar published a guide to protecting yourself (and those around you) during a protest in a pandemic—including how to prepare, what to bring, and what to do if the sitution gets violent, or if you get arrested.
Printed Matter is publishing free pdfs of anti-racist posters, pamphlets, signs, flyers, organizing material, handouts and zines that provide information about the ongoing fight for racial equality and the movement to protect black lives.
Donate
ActBlue Civics has put together growing list of bail funds, mutual aid funds, and racial justice organizers. Choose to split a donation amongst the list, or allocate specific amounts to individual groups.
A comprehensive list of national and regional bail funds for protestors across the country.
Black Journalists Therapy Relief Fund
This fund is designed to provide financial assistance for black journalists facing financial hardship who are unable to pay for the mental health support they need during this time.
Sign Petitions
This petition organized by Color of Change demands ending policing of Black communities.
Tell Congress to Advance the PEACE Act
Sign Amnesty International’s petition to tell Congress to restrict the use of deadly force by police and advance the PEACE Act. The bill would bar federal law enforcement from using deadly force unless necessary — as a last resort — to prevent imminent death or serious bodily injury, and reasonable alternatives have been exhausted.
We See You, White American Theater
A petition demanding a more equitable and safe space for all BIPOC communities inside of the American theater.
Other Ways to Support
A document outlining “26 Ways to Be in the Struggle Beyond the Streets” for those who are unable to join protests.
Black-Owned Independent Bookstores
A list of Black-owned independent bookstores across the country.
This Twitter thread lists PDFs of Black writing.
Wellness
Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation
The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation aims to eradicate the stigma around mental health issues in the African American community. They offer free COVID-19 virtual therapy and a directory of mental health providers and programs serving the African American community.
This site aims to present mental health topics in a way that feels more accessible and relevant. It features a weekly podcast addressing Black mental health and provides resources to help Black women find a therapist in their area.
44 Mental Health Resources for Black People
Self’s article on “44 Mental Health Resources for Black People Trying to Survive in This Country” lists Black mental health advocates to follow, directories for finding a Black or allied therapist, and tips and reminders for seeking mental support.
Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective
BEAM’s mission is to remove the barriers that Black people experience getting access to or staying connected with emotional health care and healing. They do this through education, training, advocacy and the creative arts and provide free virtual trainings to cope.
Artist Relief is producing weekly videos focused on physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Each video is created by a different artist representing a broad spectrum of creative practices and voices, and include discussions of movement, meditation, herbalism, sound therapy and music, poetry/writing prompts, and more.
National Suicide Prevention Hotline
The National Suicide Prevention Hotline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress and prevention and crisis resources: 1-800-273-8255. Online chat is also available.
The Crisis Text Line provides 24/7 free support for any crisis. A live, trained counselor responds from a secure online platform. Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor.
The Trevor Project provides 24/7 support to LGBTQ youth in crisis, or those in need of a safe and judgment-free place to talk: 1-866-488-7386. Text and chat options are also available.
More Resource Lists
This neatly organized page lists petitions, ways to call or text, various donation links, mental health resources for BIPOC, information for protesters, and more.
This Google document contains links to community bail funds, memorial funds, political education resources, organizations to put on your radar as well as general advice/tips for people attending protests or using social media as an organizing tool.
More Online Resources
Every month, Creative Capital compiles a list of residencies, grant, and award opportunities as part of our commitment to sharing resources and opportunities for artists working in all creative disciplines. These opportunities have deadlines in May and June 2024.