Charity Donations and Community Support: Be the Solution
There’s a lot going on in the world these days. People of all ages and from all walks of life have felt the ramifications of economic instability, widespread political unrest, and cries for social justice. Millions across our nation have been directly impacted by today’s issues, and it’s time we stood together as a community to support one another, to spread love and kindness, and to affect change for the better.
Here’s what I’m doing… and what you can do. Together we stand. In solidarity.
How I’m Supporting My Community Through Charity
Community support and love has never been more important than it is today. My goal is to target the source of the problem by providing money in underprivileged areas. I’ll start by donating a portion of my company’s proceeds to an incredible organization, Public Schools First NC.
I’d love to get other businesses and individuals to join in, too. Because together, we can make a BIG difference in a LOT of lives. Need ideas? Let me know.
Meet Public Schools First NC
Public Schools First NC is a nonprofit organization focused on preK – 12 public education issues. The group collaborates with parents, teachers, and community leaders to spread awareness of problems within the education system, then advocate for solutions to bring about change. Some of the causes they support include racial integration, adequate funding, programs that protect minorities and at-risk youth, and more.
Want more information on how you can help? They have an amazing website filled with resources that range from voter information on candidates to current legislative actions in the works to reports on segregation in Wake County Schools. Even if you aren’t able to make a donation, I strongly urge you to check out their site to see other ways you can help.
My petitions, donations, and contacts
In addition to my donations to Public Schools First NC, I’ve also signed a few petitions directly calling for specific courses of action and made donations to organizations advocating for social justice and racial equality.
Petitions I’ve signed: #JusticeforBre demands the immediate firing of the police officers involved in the killing of Breonna Taylor. Demand Racial Data on Coronavirus requests that the government collect and release demographic data on the coronavirus, which has disproportionately affected Black communities. Justice for George Floyd demands that charges be filed against the officers involved in the death of George Floyd.
Donations I’ve made: I made donations to the above three organizations, as well as The Bail Project, which helps the underprivileged make bail and return to their lives as they await trial.
Authorities I’ve contacted: I also reached out to the governor of North Carolina, Roy Cooper, and I’d encourage you to do the same.
Other Charitable Organizations at Work in Our Communities
While I regularly support Public Schools First NC, I want to give a shout out to some other charitable programs and organizations at work in our community, a few of which I’ve also supported.
Did I miss any charities or organizations you believe can make a difference in the world? Please let me know—I’d love to spread the word!
Black Youth Project 100
Black Youth Project 100 is an organization of activists between the ages of 18 and 35 focused on building a network of transformative leadership, spreading education and awareness, and advocating for minorities. The organization has chapters in Washington, DC, Detroit, Chicago, New Orleans, Jackson, and our own Durham.
BYP-100 recently organized a successful and peaceful protest in Durham. They’ll be sitting down with Durham PD on Friday to talk and discuss demands.
NC Bail Fund of Durham
Located in Durham, NC Bail Fund of Durham is actually part of a nationwide effort to help the underprivileged make bail in order to return to jobs, families, and daily lives. Crime and poverty too often go hand in hand, creating a perpetuating cycle of hopelessness and desperation.
NC Bail Fund seeks to break the cycle by posting low-cost bail for people who cannot otherwise afford it, thereby helping them return to their homes as they await trial. Pre-trial detentions (which is what happens when the accused is unable to post bail) increase the likelihood of a trial that results in a prison sentence, as well as longer overall sentence terms.
Fight for Breonna
On March 13, 2020, 26-year-old Louisville EMT Breonna Taylor was killed in her bed when police entered her home looking for drugs that were never found. Her boyfriend, who attempted to defend their home against what he thought was a break-in, was arrested and charged with the attempted murder of a police officer. He was held under house arrest for several weeks until charges were (only recently) dismissed.
Now, Breonna’s family calls for justice for her untimely and tragic death. Donating will help them pay for lawyers in their plea for justice. The family has also made several demands of the City of Louisville, calling for the arrest of the officers involved in Breonna’s death, as well as increased transparency in the investigation of law enforcement misconduct.
Ben Crump: The Lawyer for Justice
Ben Crump is the lawyer involved in the #GeorgeFloyd legal case, but his work is much bigger than seeking justice for one man’s unjust death. He’s spoken on national platforms to advocate for the families of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd, and calls for social justice on a national level.
Supporting the work of Ben and his team will help them to campaign for the creation of new federal legislation to prevent tragic injustices such as these from happening with such frightening and saddening regularity.
NAACP
The NAACP has long been the name at the forefront of racial justice and civil rights movements. Through litigation, advocacy, and public education, this nonprofit organization works to create a society that fulfills its promise of equality for all its people. The group also works to protect the rights of the Black community gained over the last 75 years while addressing ongoing issues, such as police brutality, inequality in education, and an unfair criminal justice system.
The NAACP offers an immense variety of resources and programs, from educational events to scholarships to assistance in particular criminal justice cases. Their website is a great way to learn more about the issues too many Black Americans face in today’s world, as well as ways you can make a difference to spur social change.
Education Is Critical for Instigating Social Change
Educating yourself is incredibly important for creating social change. Education serves two purposes—to help us understand how issues in our world affect our fellow community members and to enable us to find ways to create peaceful and long-lasting change. By learning all we can about our society, our government, and our laws, we can better advocate for concrete and sustainable change.
Not sure where to turn? The Movement for Black Lives is hosting a series this week that might be a good starting point. Black Lives Matter also has a list of ways you can learn, donate, and support your community.
Remember, it’s never too late to start learning, to open yourself up to the world, to make a difference. Change is coming; better to meet it prepared and be a part of the solution!
Together, We Can Make a Difference
I truly believe that standing together, working together, learning and growing and advocating for equality together, we can make a difference that will forever transform the world. Together, we can change our country, our community, and the lives of all our brothers and sisters—for the better. Sending love to all. #InSolidarity.