Hey community!
We wanted to check in with everyone here in light of the recent events in the United States which have opened up a global discussion about systemic racism. In Australia there has been a light shed on Aboriginal deaths in police custody and around the world people are talking about violence against people of colour.
First and foremost we think it’s important to acknowledge that these world events can be extremely triggering and traumatic for people. Please do what you need to do to protect yourself in this time. I think it’s important to say that there is no pressure to participate in rallies or protests. It’s okay to not know what to do and to be worried about your personal safety as we are still experiencing a pandemic. As always in this time, decide how much time you want to spend on social media as it can be a very stressful place to be at the moment.
In saying all of this, that doesn’t mean you can’t be a powerful ally if that is important to you. There are so many ways to show solidarity and take action. So we thought we would put together a list of how you can be part of positive change.
Learn - one of the most important things you can do is continue to learn about racism and the groups of people in society that are most impacted.
Talk - another extremely important action for change is to use your voice. I personally find this difficult as confrontation scares me but talking to those friends and family members of yours that hold onto some harmful beliefs, having a calm but informative conversation can be a game changer.
Donate - There are lots of grassroots collectives and organisations that are doing amazing front line work to empower people and communities. Money does make a difference so if you have a little extra, contributing to one of these causes and a massive help.
U.S based:
Black Lives Matter
Black Visions Collective
Reclaim the Block
Official George Floyd Memorial Fund
NAACP Legal Defense Fund
American Civil Liberties Union
National Bail Fund Network or local bail funds across the US
National Police Accountability Project
Know Your Rights Camp
Australian based:
Fundraiser for the family of David Dungay Jr.
David Dungay Jr., a Dunghutti man from Kempsey, NSW, died in custody in December 2015. He was surrounded by six guards as he screamed “I can’t breathe”. This fundraiser was created by his mother, Leetona Dungay, who is appealing to the Director of Public Prosecutions for the NSW Government to take responsibility for the death of her son. All proceeds raised will fund the ongoing expenses for her campaign.
Fundraiser for the family of Kumanjayi Walker
19-year-old Kumanjayi Walker was shot dead by police in his Yuendumu home in November 2019. The Warlpiri people are asking for an independent inquiry into both the shooting and community policing. Dr. Lisa Watts has organised this fundraiser to pay for lawyers’ travel to Yuendumu in order to facilitate their request.
Fundraiser for the family of Tanya Day
Tanya Day died in custody in December 2017, in a cell at the Castlemaine police station. This fundraiser, created by her daughter Apryl Day, will pay for legal proceedings, accommodation, travel and living expenses for Day’s extended family, allowing them to attend independent inquest hearings.
Fundraiser for the family of Joyce Clarke
29-year-old Joyce Clarke was shot and killed by police in Geraldton last year in September. The first class constable charged with her murder recently entered a not guilty plea ahead of his trial later this year. This fundraiser was set up by Debbie Kilroy, Order of Australia recipient and one of the nation’s leading advocates for protecting women and children’s rights through decarceration. Funds will be donated entirely to Clarke’s family to allow them to travel to all court proceedings.
Pay The Rent – An ongoing campaign that encourages non-Indigenous people to donate a portion of their income for operating on unceded Indigenous land. All funds raised are given to Aboriginal people in Victoria at the discretion of a group of Aboriginal elders from multiple clans and nations.
The National Justice Project – A non-profit legal service that represents people who would otherwise be unable to find legal representation.
Barpirdhila Foundation’s First Nations Artists & Community COVID-19 Appeal – A community-run non-for-profit organisation raising money to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and communities affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
Sisters Inside – A not-for-profit organisation that “advocates for the collective human rights of women and girls in prison, and their families”.
Free Her – Organised by Debbie Kilroy of Sisters Inside, this ongoing campaign uses collected funds to release Aboriginal women from prison or pay outstanding warrants.
Black Rainbow – A wholly Indigenous-owned not-for-profit social enterprise that advocates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQI+ peoples.
Change The Record – Australia’s only national Aboriginal-led coalition of peak Aboriginal bodies and non-Indigenous allies.
Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance – A collective of Aboriginal youths advocating for decolonisation and the philosophies of Aboriginal nationalism.
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