Resources, ways to donate: How you can take action from home after the death of George Floyd
As protests in the wake of George Floyd’s death continue, many are looking for ways to demand justice while staying at home due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, died in police custody Monday after a white Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck.
The horrifying bystander video of Floyd’s death spread quickly on social media, showing the officer driving his knee into Floyd’s neck as the handcuffed man repeatedly says he can’t breathe.
Four officers involved in the incident were fired, and on Friday, former officer Derek Chauvin was arrested days after the video surfaced.
If you’re looking to get involved outside of organizing in person, we’ve rounded up a list of ways you can take action from home.
Contact officials
Contact state and local leaders
Send a letters to Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey or Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz demanding justice, accountability and/or policing changes.
Make a call
Call County Attorney Mike Freeman at 612-348-5550 to demand a murder charge. Call Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison at 651-296-3353. Call Gov. Walz at 651-201-3400.
Sign a petition
Justice for George Floyd on change.org
This petition aims to “reach the attention of Mayor Jacob Frey and DA Mike Freeman to beg to have the officers involved in this disgusting situation fired and for charges to be filed immediately.” As of May 29, 5,140,869 have signed. The goal is 6,000,000 signatures.
#JusticeforFloyd on act.colorofchange.org
This petition is to “demand the officers who killed George Floyd are charged with murder.” So far, the petitions has garnered more than 1 million signatures. You can also sign by texting “Floyd” to 55156.
Temporarily blinded by pepper spray:What one USA TODAY reporter saw during George Floyd protests
Donate
Official George Floyd Memorial Fund on gofundme.com
Organized by Philonise Floyd, George’s brother, the fund was created to cover funeral and burial expenses, mental and grief counseling, lodging and travel for all court proceedings and to assist the family in the days to come as they “continue to seek justice for George,” according to the description. A portion of these funds will also go to the Estate of George Floyd, which benefits his children and their educational fund. As of May 29, the fund has received over 80,000 donors and raised $1,895,460.
Donations to this legal organization go toward helping “win landmark legal battles, protect voters across the nation, and advance the cause of racial justice, equality, and an inclusive society.”
An organization with the mission statement of bringing justice, freedom and healing to black people across the globe. You can become a “Global Member” by donating $5 to support their campaigns.
Communities United Against Police Brutality
This Twin Cities-based organization accepts donations via mail or PayPal for “office costs, copwatch equipment, court filing fees and other expenses.”
An organization that helps pay jail bonds for those who cannot afford to fight discriminatory and coercive jailing. “Every dollar of financial donations to Minnesota Freedom Fund helps us help free people,” the website states.
Contributing: Lokela Blanc, Ryan W. Miller and Jordan Culver, USA TODAY
More:CNN’s Omar Jimenez and crew arrested, released while covering protests over George Floyd death
‘We must act’:Beyoncé, Taylor Swift and more celebrities react to the death of George Floyd
