HONORING TOYIN
Oluwatoyin ‘Toyin’ Salau was a 19 year old activist from Tallahassee, Florida. Toyin, described as “powerful and strong with a happy soul” was a fierce advocate for the full protection of Black lives. After releasing a series of tweets describing sexual assault, her body was found in Tallahassee June 15th 2020.
Oluwatoyin was a freedom fighter. We will continue to fight in honor of her legacy. She did not ask to be a martyr for justice. May her death shake up systems on behalf of Black girls everywhere who exist at the intersection of racial injustice and gender based violence.
ABOUT THE FUND
Established in June 2020, this fund is designed to provide monetary relief for Black girl activists, like Toyin, who are on the frontlines. This fund allows Black girls to request grants up to $500 for overnight housing, food or other life-sustaining supports.
Toyin was fighting for the protection of everyone, but where could Toyin find protection? What we know about oppression and marginalization, is that there is never just one victim. Conversely, there are systems that worked together to ensure that Toyin was rendered powerless to all of the systems she was fighting against. Not anymore- we can’t allow Black girls to put their bodies and minds on the frontlines without protection.
We re-open this fund in honor and commemoration of what would've been her 25th birthday.
WHO CAN APPLY
1) Any Black girl activist who is under 26 and living in the United States
2) We are excited to offer relief to Black girl activists who embody the fierce commitment to activism Toyin exhibited. You do not have to be tied to any institution or organization. You do not have to have an established record of protest and organizing, but qualify as long as you are currently participating in grassroots organizing or activism. Submissions who do have an established record of activism will be prioritized. 3) Must be able to receive funds through paypal or venmo
HOW IT WORKS:
We are currently offering microgrants amounts up to $500.
Select the amount of relief you are seeking: (1)$250 (2)$500 Provide an overview of your immediate needs that the grant can support. We're asking all requestors to provide a description of how the grant can support your work and your holistic well being.
*APPLICATION CLOSES WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3RD AT 11:59PMEST
Distribution Timeline:
Applications close: September 3rd at 11:59pmEST
Applications Reviewed: September 4th- September 19th
Selections: September 22nd-26th
Distributions Begin: September 29th
*Please note that applicants will only be contacted if selected. Please add contact@justiceforblackgirls.com and info@justiceforblackgirls.com to your contacts to avoid emails going to spam.
Sending deep love to each applicant. We deeply appreciate each request & truly wish we had enough funding to meet every need. Thank you for the love you embody through your activism.
