The murder of George Floyd in the United States has sparked protests on a scale bigger than anything we’ve seen in recent history.
The news of his death on May 25 spread across the world to an explosion of outrage, unrest and in some American cities, riots.
If you use Instagram, you’ll more than likely have seen a number of moving posts, declarations and outward showings of support for the Black Lives Matter movement – the work of which is more prevalent than ever in the wake of George’s tragic passing.
Protests across the United States have made global headlines – and for an important reason.
(Getty)Of course, being in another country can make it more difficult to outwardly show support in a way you feel is right.
Petitions, protests and donations are all ways for people to get involved to show their support – though a lot require you to either be in the United States, or be a US citizen.
But if you’re in Australia and are looking at ways you yourself can show support, we’ve outlined some simple ways to do so below.
Donations
During the devastating Australian bushfires, we saw the country unite in an incredible way, with millions of donations shared towards relief and rebuilding communities.
The same can be done in the wake of George Floyd’s death and the US protests.
See some key donation links below:
The Bail Project: Provides free bail assistance to low-income individuals who are legally presumed innocent, and whom a judge has deemed eligible for release before trial contingent on paying bail.
Black Visions Collective: Working to shape a political home for Black people across Minnesota and to develop Minnesota’s emerging Black leadership to lead powerful campaigns.
ABEP Pimento relief fund: Working to provide black business owners without insurance relief whose premises was burnt down as a result of the protests.
Communities United Against Police Brutality: Dealing with police brutality on an ongoing basis with an aim to create a climate of resistance to abuse of authority by police organisations.
The George Floyd GoFundMe: Started by the brother of George Floyd, funds raised will cover funeral and burial expenses, mental and grief counselling, lodging and travel for all court proceedings, and assistance to the family in the days to come as they continue to seek justice.
George Floyd’s family has a GoFundMe campaign current running.
(GoFundMe)Educate yourself
While it might seem like Australia is far away from the outward anger and protests on the streets of the US, it’s no less important for us to educate ourselves on the matter.
No matter what your ethnicity, learning about the history and day to day issues that have led to the protests we’re seeing today is crucial in understanding and taking steps towards an equal system.
Various reputable news outlets and organisations have their own explainers on the matter – so start Googling and take the time to better equip yourself with an understanding of why it’s so important that we keep talking about this.
Support Indigenous Australians on home soil
As mentioned above, outward acts of defiance against an unjust system might be happening in another country, but inequality is also glaringly prevalent in Australia.
Many Aboriginal Australians have also died while in police custody, and they are overrepresented in Australian prisons.
Show your support by educating yourself, and others on the matter – and most importantly be aware of it in the first place.
The ABC has outlined some specific cases in this article, which provides an insight into the state of where things are at.
Oblivion is not the way forwards – and we need keep talking about it to see any positive change.
WATCH: Parents explain to their children how to deal with police. Story continues…
Share your own message (with careful thought)
You’ll likely have seen a number of messages and pleas coming up on social media – and don’t be afraid to share them.
If any post has struck a chord, made you stop or even made you click through to read more – share it. There’s a reason why you stopped, so it’s likely someone else will too.
The more people who become aware of the issues, the better.
Disclaimer: Be careful about what you are reading and be sure to fact check details against reputable sources.
Social media is a powerful platform in sharing stories that matter, but it can just as easily spread rumours and incorrect information – be wary of this.
