How To Support Black Lives Matter If Your Budget's Tight
Image courtesy of Black Lives Matter
Following the death of George Floyd while in Minneapolis police custody on May 25, protests and demonstrations have erupted in cities across America that demand an end to systemic racism and police brutality. The high-profile killings of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and Tony McDade have also become a part of the call for justice.
These protests have been interrupted by violence clashes with the police, who have been using teargas, rubber bullets, and deliberate physical force to dispel the protestors. The ongoing pandemic has also added to the anxiety and urgency of the demonstrations.
One way to support the movement if protesting is not an option for you is to donate to organizations currently providing resources and legal help to those who are. Here is a detailed and extensive list of organizations that is organized by geographic region. You can also educate yourself on the history of race relations in the U.S. by consulting this list of anti-racism resources.
For those who are currently experiencing financial barriers that prevent them from donating to the above organizations, Youtuber Zoe Amira created an hour-long video of music, poetry, and art by Black creators that allows you to support the movement by simply watching the video.
It's here! donate to #BlackLivesMatter protester funds with your time and your views. given the pandemic, I know opening your wallet to donate to important causes is more difficult than ever, so here you can donate by watching ads instead! LIKE, SHARE, RT https://t.co/nmL24xfW52
— ZOE AMIRA (@zoeamira) May 31, 2020
The revenue that she amasses from the advertisements that have been dispersed throughout the video will be donated to Black Lives Matter and other organizations currently supporting and providing bail for protesters. You would be donating to the cause even just by muting the video and leaving it to play either on your phone or on a separate tab on your computer.
Viewers are instructed to turn off their ad blockers and to avoid skipping over the ads. Liking the video or leaving a comment can also boost the video's visibility on the Youtube platform.
At the time that this post was written, $31,434.67 had been raised and the video has amassed more than 5 million views. You can watch the video here.