5 Ways To Support Mutual Aid Programs Fighting For Black People During The Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting every aspect of our society and exposing deep, systemic inequalities that are killing Black people. As the news changes minute-to-minute, BET and Color Of Change are teaming up to make sure Black people have the clear and focused information we need to get help, take action and support the hardest hit in our communities.
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It's easy to say blame Black people as being easily victimized by the COVID-19 outbreak, but the coronavirus did not attack people by race; American society, however, does. So, it’s important to focus on the big picture and work to change the priorities of politicians and corporations who have created this crisis for Black people. We will continue to do this everyday, inviting Black people and our allies to take action to create a safer and more just world for Black people.
Because our community doesn't have the resources we need, it’s also important to focus on what’s happening right now and help one another survive along the way. While Black communities may be most impacted by the pandemic, Black people are also saving America right now. We’re the frontline workers enabling the country to socially distance. We’re the business owners fighting to keep the economy moving. We’re the parents making sure children homeschool successfully and elderly parents stay safe.
As we celebrate this Memorial Day, a day where we can’t go to the beach with friends or host a cookout with family like many of us normally would, this week in #TheBlackResponse to COVID-19, we’re focusing on ways we can continue to connect and support each other on an individual level through the pandemic.
Rashad Robinson is President of Color Of Change, a leading racial justice organization with more than 1.7 million members that design winning strategies to build power for Black communities. Rashad appears regularly in major news media and as a keynote speaker nationally. You can find him on Twitter @RashadRobinson.
Support The Black Patients’ Guide To COVID-19
Black people are still being denied COVID-19 tests and proper treatment. We’re working to place the The Black Patients’ Guide to COVID-19 in newspapers across the country so those without an internet connection will have easy access to real information about how to stay safe, handle symptoms of the virus and respond to any mistreatment in the hospital. Donate to support this important initiative here.
Donate To Support Black And Brown Frontline Workers
While many would like to believe our communities are the “most vulnerable” because we’re hardest hit by the pandemic, in reality it’s because Black and brown workers are saving America right now. By donating to the Community Solidarity Fund, you can help say thank you by directly supporting the frontline workers in the way they are asking for like food, groceries and other basic necessities.
Donate To The Crip Camp Emergency Relief Fund
Even in the best of times, people with disabilities are disenfranchised by our economic, education and healthcare systems. During the coronavirus pandemic, it has gotten even worse, especially for those with pre-existing conditions. We’re pooling our resources to ensure that these members of our community have the added resources they need to stay alive. You can too by donating to support people of color with disabilities during the pandemic.
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Donate To Free Imprisoned Black Mamas
At any moment, about half a million people in the U.S. are imprisoned, not because they’ve been convicted of a crime, but because they are too poor to afford bail. This year, National Bail Out has extended the annual #FreeBlackMamas bail outs to save Black mothers from a possible death sentence as COVID-19 outbreaks spread rapidly in jails nationwide. Donate to support Black mothers today to help us make this year their largest bail-out ever.
Donate Money To The Local Groups Fighting For #JusticeForAhmaud
Months before the case went viral, the Georgia NAACP has been working with Ahmaud Arbery’s family to demand an arrest and charges for his murders. With budgets being reduced during the pandemic, you can donate to the Georgia NAACP to ensure these local organizers have the funds needed to continue their advocacy for the 18 or more months needed for this case against the McMichaels to be decided.
