In wake of protests for George Floyd, here’s how you can show support for Black lives
By Evelyn V.
On May 25th the life of George Floyd was taken by Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin in what was supposed to be an arrest not a murder. Videos capturing the arrest turned murder show Floyd (a man of color) with Chauvin’s knee placed on his neck preventing him from being able to breathe. Floyd is heard repeatedly telling the officer he couldn’t breathe. However, Chauvin ignored him, resulting in his murder. As a result thousands of people from all races, communities and around the world have come together in many ways to show support for black lives. With some not allowed to go to the Black Lives Matter protests because of COVID-19 or they’re teenagers whose parents fear that may not be safe to be around if things get ugly or any other reason, here’s how support comes in many different ways from many people.
1. Signing As Many Petitions As Possible!!
Throughout Twitter many have shown their support through retweeting the link above signing petitions and even donating if they can. Though it may not seem like much this form of support is incredibly important as many of the petitions regarding George Floyd state “We are trying to reach the attention of Mayor Jacob Frey and DA Mike Freeman to beg to have the officers involved in this disgusting situation fired and for charges to be filed immediately.” The millions of people signing these petitions not only want justice for Floyd who did nothing but write a bad check costing him his life but also want all four officers to be charged and fired. Signing the petition is just as powerful as the voices out in the protest and will help in making a change so sign as many petitions as you can.
Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping. ❤️
— Minh Ngo (@minhtngo) May 30, 2020
With local food pantries closed in #Minneapolis due to the protests, Touchstone Mental Health asked for food donations to help their residents.
This is how community responds!pic.twitter.com/78iSYVkWex
2. Donate
Like signing petitions donating (if possible) is also a form of showing your support to the Black Lives Matter protests. Due to many restaurants and other places to get food being closed many communities have responded to this by donating food to protestors. With the pandemic still surrounding us money has been tight so this form of support is a huge one as the protestors may not have money to help them buy food or even just for the day of the protest they need to eat something. Another huge important donation you can make is to black owned businesses who in return will be using those donations to purchase and donate meals and food to those who need them as well as protestors. Check the official BlackLivesMatter website for more ways you can donate.
How could all lives matter when black lives don’t? #BlackLivesMattter pic.twitter.com/RSJiG7SVyr
— jobs (@ceejobz) June 2, 2020
3. You Have A Platform…USE IT
Using any form of social media whether it’s Instagram or Twitter is a major form of support as not only are you speaking on the situation but you will also be making your following aware and can even help by educating them. Think about it: all the videos going around from people at the protest,links to petitions being spread,police getting exposed for their violence,educating people on this movement, all of this and more has been possible because so many are using their platforms as they should be(links above for example). Not only that but when using your platform and hashtags people all across the world will see your post along with millions of others grabbing their attention and causing them to speak up. Whether you want to simply share a picture to share your support,talk about it to your following,videos, etc making the Black Lives Matter known across multiple forms of social media is another way you can support.
Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo gives a speech you’d think was from a protestor. THIS is how you do it.
— Ahmed Baba (@AhmedBaba_) June 1, 2020
“They want people of color to be talked about as being thugs… We built this country… I got news for them, we ain’t going nowhere!”#protests2020pic.twitter.com/8xejd798Id
4. Officers Supporting Black Lives
Not only have officers shown their support but some have even lost their job due to showing support. This form of support comes as a shock to some as the officers at the protest have shot at protestors with rubber bullets,tear gas them,destroy the donated food and supplies, have been seen destroying public buildings to blame on protestors and are just racist too. However behind the ones causing violence many officers have been seen taking a knee,walking with protestors and speaking on the death of Floyd caused by an officer. Not only does this show support but it shows everyone that not only do the people want change but so do those who happen to be officers like the man who took the life of Floyd.
Beverly Hills 20,000 strong pic.twitter.com/4PWWLxNNJH
— dwayne Franklin (@dwayneFrankli20) May 30, 2020
5. Stronger As One…Worldwide Support
Support has been shown in many forms varying from petitions,speaking up,protesting and having everyone’s voices heard. Alone our voices hold a power so strong that when combined with those online,different communities,races etc those in power will begin to fear us. From the U.S all the way to places like Amsterdam and Spokane along with others have shown us nothing but support right now. Now not only will the U.S government have millions of voices in America but millions of other voices around the world. We have the support of officers,multiple communities,platforms and petitions to sign and use, support of others on the other side of the world this has got to be the strongest I’ve ever seen the people be and showing your support through what may seem like very little will only help increase the strength the people currently hold.
