The dismissal of Black concerns, Black pain, and Black struggles has gone on for too long. We must hear the Black community when it speaks on oppression and discrimination. We cannot continue to ignore the reality of racism in this country. It is present and it is violent. The longer we question its validity, the longer we put Black people in harm's way. Believe the cries and the shouts of our community. They come from a place of grievance and justified frustration. Believe George Floyd, when he said, “I can’t breathe”. His final words are far too familiar. Believe our words, because they are the truth.

Be Active: At a time like this, silence is violence. Today’s current events must be responded to by taking direct action. It is vital that we all organize, mobilize,  and demand change. We must do more than vote once in November. The structural and institutional change we need requires constant action. We must protest, speak out, and hold people accountable. To successfully combat police brutality and violence against Black people, the Black community and those who claim to be our allies must put in work at all times.

Utilize Privilege: The Black community cannot bare the burden of fighting against such inhumane brutality and violence alone. In order to be an ally, you must do more than share posts on social media. Black people need more than to be “seen.” White and non-Black people of color must recognize the privilege that they possess as individuals statistically less likely to be subject to brutal violence at the hands of the police. Over the past few days, we have witnessed White allies intervene directly to physically protect Black protestors from law enforcement. This energy and momentum must continue beyond the next few weeks. Sign the petitions rightfully demanding that the officers involved be charged for their violent actions. Those with disposable income should donate to organizations dedicated to fighting racism as well as bail and bond funds that help individuals who have been arrested while protesting. These are only two of the many effective ways for allies to support the Black community.

Educate Yourself: Do not overlook the power of education in the fight against racism. Whether you are a member of the Black community or an ally, everyone must educate themselves in order to effectively take part in the work that desperately needs to be done. We must be knowledgeable of the origins of this violence, the carceral state’s history and its relationship to the Black community. Understand what it means to advocate for the abolition of the police state and prisons. Learn how to mobilize, organize, know your rights, and protest safely. Most importantly, read the work of Black writers. We are lucky to have the experiences and knowledge of those who came before us to lean on. Angela Davis, Assata Shakur, Audre Lorde, Michelle Alexander, Robin D.G Kelly, and countless others have laid the groundwork for our next steps. Below, we have provided links to works by some of the authors previously listed and resources to utilize during this time. We hope that you will take the time to read these authors' words and embrace their visions, so that you may deepen your understanding or even shift perspectives on the issue of police violence and solutions to systemic oppression. To educate ourselves is to empower ourselves and we have the responsibility to do so. In the words of John Henrik Clarke, “Once you are truly educated you will not ask for power. You will take it.”

In Solidarity,

The Black Student Alliance at the University of Virginia

Resources

The Reiteration of Historic, Yet Unmet, Demands:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UkZ349fmhZrLM7wpW-KF3PKtAh1S0qzglM6IZXRMyB4/edit?usp=sharing

Health and Wellbeing

Protest Safety and Know Your Rights

Art

Groups to Support

  • Organizations:
  • Bail Funds: