Concord affirms that Black lives matter.

Holding messages reading “Black Lives Matter,” “Justice for George Floyd,” and “White Silence = Violence,” more than 200 people from Concord and surrounding communities lined the streets of Concord center on Sunday (May 31, 2020) evening. Concord Indivisible organized the socially-distant ‘car protest’ in solidarity with protesters across the country demanding justice for Black lives lost to police violence.

Image from NPR, “A Decade of Watching Black People Die“

Participants read the names of Black men and women killed at the hands of law enforcement.

The Concord Journal covered the event.

This historic moment requires more of us than a statement of solidarity. Seeking justice means showing up and taking action.

If ever there was a time to show up for social justice and Black lives, it’s now.

NEXT STEPS: Actions for Black Lives

This historical moment requires more of us than a statement of solidarity. Seeking justice means putting in the work and taking action.

Make sure your elected leaders know you care about racial justice.

Trevor Noah had some reflections worth hearing.

The only way to ensure the government at all levels enact and implement policies that advance racial justice is to make them believe their next election depends on it. Contact your representatives. Let them know you vote this issue.

Support Black-Led Organizations.

Find ways of using your privilege and access to capital to fund the movement for change. Donate money to organizations with an explicit racial justice mission, led by directly impacted individuals.

In Boston

Black Lives Matter Boston works to end state-sanctioned violence against Black people, supports the development of new Black leaders, creates a network where Black people feel empowered, and follows a queer Black feminist theory of creating change within the Black communities.
The Massachusetts Bail Fund provides up to $200 bail for low-income individuals.
Haymarket People’s Fund is an anti-racist and multi-cultural foundation that is committed to strengthening the movement for social justice in New England.

In Minnesota

Black Visions Collective is “a Black-led, Queer and Trans centering organization whose mission is to organize powerful, connected Black communities and dismantle systems of violence.”
Reclaim the Block organizes around policies that strengthen community-led safety initiatives and reduce reliance on police departments.

Nationally

National Bail Out is “a Black-led and Black-centered collective of abolitionist organizers, lawyers and activists building a community-based movement to support our folks and end systems of pretrial detention and ultimately mass incarceration.”
Black Lives Matter is a global organization in the US, UK, and Canada, whose mission is to eradicate white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes.
The Movement for Black Lives is a 501c3 organization building an ecosystem of individuals and organizations creating a shared vision and policy agenda to win rights, recognition, and resources for Black people.

Pursue Anti-Racist Education

If you are a white person, educate yourself. Read books, watch movies, sign up for an anti-racism training. Learn how to be an ally in the fight for racial justice, and organize other white people to do the same. Some suggested resources:

Talk to your Kids About Race

See Resources for Accountability and Actions for Black Lives for the most up-to-date actions you can take.