Processing The Black Murders & People's Uprising
*Read this first: I'm well aware that on this episode, I may not show up correctly, that I may say some ignorant things. But I know that showing up imperfectly as an ally for my Black brothers and sisters is better than not showing up at all. I promise to be open, to listen with compassion, to learn and do better every day.
This episode was a tough one as so many thoughts and emotions are going through me. I'm sure this is true for many of you too as the pain from the recent deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and countless other Black citizens just no longer can go unnoticed. I'm proud of how so many people from all walks of life have come together in solidarity to fight the systematic racial injustices that our Black brothers and sisters have been facing in this country for hundreds of years. And so, I felt called to create space on my podcast to talk about just this, specifically with Enrico Moses. He shares his thoughts and perspectives on the recent happenings. He offered his insights that came from the heart and mind of a multi-racial black man, who grew up in Minneapolis and is now dedicated to helping others find inner peace and cultivate spiritual growth.
Listen as we speak about the uprisings, the killings of black people, systemic racism, the history of the police system, and what allies can do to support the movement.
Ways to support the Black community:
Vote & register to vote on the city, state and federal levels. Vote racist and corrupt politicians and police commissioners who don’t serve their communities out of office!
Educate yourselves by consuming Anti-Racism content.
Support local Black-owned businesses. Here are some Black-owned businesses in LA.
Donate to these worthy organizations:
The Black Lives Matter Movement
The BLM movement, founded in 2013 after George Zimmerman was acquitted of all charges in the killing of Trayvon Martin, is a multi-national organization that combats white supremacy through demonstrations, petitions, and online organizing. You can donate here, or donate to the original chapter in Los Angeles through their GoFundMe page here.
Reclaim the Block
Started in 2018, Reclaim the Block organizes the Minneapolis community and council members to move funds from the hands of the police to other areas covered by the city's budget. "We organize around policies that strengthen community-led safety initiatives and reduce reliance on police departments," the organization says in its mission statement. You can donate here to help those on the field protesting.
Black Visions Collective
The 2017-founded Black Visions Collective focuses mainly on expanding Black influence in the Twin Cities metro area and Minnesota, they are also heavily involved in delivering Black Lives Matter protest's mobilization and action plans. You can keep up with them on Instagram, where the group is currently promoting a petition to defund the Minneapolis Police, or donate to collective in general through this page shared on its website.
BEAM
BEAM is an organization working to "remove the barriers that Black people experience getting access to or staying connected with emotional health care and healing," according to its mission statement. Support programs that address mental health and healing in Black communities with a one-time donation here, or a monthly contribution here.
The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (LDF)
The LDF has fought racial injustice through litigation, advocacy, and public education for over 75 years. Support the organization's continued battle to improve our judicial system here.
The National Association of Black Journalists
Help support Black journalists and media professions by donating to America’s largest group for journalists of color. The organization promotes media diversity and supports workers who have been laid off or struggle to find employment.
