We at Highsnobiety have to stand as allies in the struggle against systematic racism taking place in the Twin Cities and beyond, and to the families and communities who have been affected by police brutality. Our publication is dedicated to celebrating a culture that has been created by black artists, designers, and athletes.
We understand that it is our duty to use the full force of our words, means, and actions to effect change. Now is not a time to be complacent or silent.
Another day has gone by, and we remain in a reality where black people in America are murdered by the police with little or no recourse — a reality that sparked the protests in Minnesota this week, and one that is echoed in racial injustices that occur constantly throughout the world.
This state of affairs will not change tomorrow. It will not change with the news cycle. And it will not change ever without collective action on the part of likeminded individuals and institutions.
We’ve compiled a list of resources to support change below. But we don’t have all the answers. We want to hear from you, and we are listening.
Several petitions have emerged demanding justice for George Floyd and his family. The aim is to reach the attention of Mayor Jacob Frey and DA Mike Freeman to demand to have the officers involved in the murder fired and for charges to be filed immediately. Add your signature in support of Floyd. A few suggestions:
- Change.Org, the world’s largest petition platform, allowing people worldwide to join in the “Justice for Floyd” call to action. The petition is not only for US residents, but can be signed irrespective of region.
- #WeCantBreathe, founded by Pastor Carmen Means and Reverend Jerry Macafee of Minneapolis. The petition can be signed worldwide.
- The NAACP #WeAreDoneDying campaign combats the consistent mistreatment of black people in America with a list of policy demands on criminal justice, economy, voting and health.
- Color of Change, is a progressive nonprofit civil rights advocacy organization demanding the officers who killed George Floyd be charged with murder. The petition is for US residents only. You can also text “FLOYD” to 55156 to sign the petition.
If you can, consider making a donation. The family of George Floyd has started a GoFundMe to cover funeral and burial costs; counseling services; legal fees; and continued care for his children.
Or, you could direct your donate money to an organization. A few suggestions:
- The Bail Project, a nonprofit that aims to mitigate incarceration rates through bail reform.
- Black Visions Collective, a black, trans, and queer-led social justice organization and legal fund based in Minneapolis-St. Paul.
- Reclaim the Block organizes Minneapolis community and city council members to move money from the police department into other areas of the city’s budget that promote community health and safety.
- Northstar Health Collective provides health care services, resources, and training to ensure safe and healthy events and protests. Accepts money donations as well as first-aid supplies.
- Campaign Zero, a nonprofit sharing resources and information to communities and fighting to end police violence in America.
For those based in the US, you can get in contact with District Attorney’s offices and demand police accountability directly from your legislators.
- 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.
- Contact the Minneapolis mayor and the Hennepin County attorney at 612-673-2100 and 612-348-5550, respectively. You can also email the attorney at citizeninfo@hennepin.us, or contact the Minneapolis police department at police@minneapolismn.gov.