7 social justice organizations to support during Black History Month (and every month) It should go without saying that celebrating Black History M
It should go without saying that celebrating Black History Month means more than revisiting the stories of Martin Luther King Jr. or Rosa Parks and then forgetting all about the contributions of Black folx until next February rolls around.
We may only have one month that’s officially dubbed Black History Month, but our history is something to celebrate all year round, especially in a country that was built on Black labor and that continues to borrow from our culture. There are several ways to honor and support Black people this month, but it’s especially important to extend support to the organizations that are fighting to liberate Black people.
It’s even more important, if you identify as an ally, to put your money or your time into the organizations that are working to eradicate the many injustices that Black people still face. And if you’re not sure where to start, ahead are seven social justice organizations to support this month, and every month.
Your support of Black people is null and void if you’re unable to acknowledge the fact that Black people are disproportionately subjected to violence and brutality at the hands of police.
Black Lives Matter (BLM) was formed in 2013 by Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi as a direct response to the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the death of Trayvon Martin. It has since become a standout example of digital activism, spawning a viral hashtag and becoming a national movement with more than 40 chapters across the country, all with the goal of intervening in police violence against Black people and affirming the importance of Black lives.
You can support Black Lives Matter by donating or getting involved with a local chapter in your city.
Conversations about the violence that threatens Black lives often fail to center Black women and femmes, and trans people are especially at risk. Indeed, 2018 was dubbed one of the most violent years for those who identify as transgender—and 82% of the trans people murdered were women of color.
The Trans Women of Color Collective (TWOCC) works to provide access, opportunities, and a supportive community for trans and gender non-conforming people of color, but especially Black trans women and femmes.
Audre Lorde Project (ALP) is a New York-based organization that focuses on community organizing for LGBTQ+ individuals of color.
Since 1994, the organization has worked to address the issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community through mobilization, education, community wellness, and social justice initiatives.
You can support ALP by donating, volunteering, or becoming a member.
4. Sister Love
Established in 1989 by Dázon Dixon Diallo, a public health expert, Sister Love is the first women’s HIV/AIDS and reproductive justice organization in the southeastern U.S.
The Atlanta-based organization and its staff, which mainly consists of Black women, provides preventive education and outreach to help women of color fight against HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections. One of the group’s initiatives includes a coalition of women’s health advocates and health care providers who work to educate and provide access to PrEp for women of color.
Sister Love accepts volunteers and interns who want to help support their mission.
The Black Youth Project (BYP) aims to examine the attitudes and culture of young, urban, Black millennials and explore how these factors impact their lives.
BYP conducts research, creates social initiatives, and publishes editorial content written by Black millennials in the areas of race, culture, gender, and sexuality.
To support BYP’s mission, you can donate or contribute content.
Black Girls Code (BGC) is on a mission to get more Black women working in computer programming, a field in which they are chronically underrepresented.
Since 2011, the organization has brought workshops and after-school programs to various communities to provide computer coding lessons to young girls. And BGC hopes to teach 1 million Black girls how to code by the year 2040.
You can help BGC reach their goal by donating or volunteering your time.
At a time when our government has adopted a decidedly anti-immigrant rhetoric, an organization like the Black Alliance For Just Immigration (BAJI) is working to unite Black immigrants and African Americans.
The organization seeks to build community between all members of the African diaspora by encouraging Black immigrants and African Americans to work together to achieve social and economic justice.
Founded in 2006, BAJI organizes dialogues between members of the diaspora and has initiated campaigns in places like New York, Georgia, California, and Arizona.
Outside of attending local events, you can support BAJI by donating or purchasing some of their merchandise.
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