How To Help Demand Justice For George Floyd

Utilize your voice, privilege, and platform to make an impact.

by DESJAH ALTVATER ★ MAY 30, 2020

On Monday, May 25, a now-former white Minneapolis police officer murdered an innocent Black man, George Floyd. Around 8:00 p.m. on Memorial Day in Powderhorn, MN, a neighborhood south of downtown Minneapolis, Minneapolis Police Department officers responded to a “forgery in progress.” It was alleged that Floyd had used a counterfeit $20 bill while shopping at a nearby deli. Police allege that when confronted, Floyd resisted arrest after being forced to exit his vehicle.

However, a surveillance video from a nearby restaurant contradicts this claim.

The surveillance recording shows Floyd complying with police and falling twice while being escorted by the officers, and eventually lying face down on the road while handcuffed. This was when bystanders started to record. As seen in the widespread video, now-former officer Derek Chauvin is seen kneeling on Floyd’s neck. Chauvin’s knee was sharply fixed into Floyd’s neck for a total of 8 minutes and 46 seconds, with Floyd being unresponsive for 2 minutes and 53 seconds. In the footage, Floyd can be heard saying, “I can’t breathe” repeatedly, with no budge from the officer cutting off his airways. A newly surfaced video, shot from another angle, shows that there were an additional three officers kneeling on Floyd with one standing by.

Later that night, protests sparked in Minneapolis and have continued over the past few days. The protests have spread across the country to demand immediate action in stopping racist policing. On May 29, Chauvin was arrested and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter for Floyd's death, with Hennepin County attorney Michael O. Freeman saying he anticipated charges to be brought against the other three officers at the scene of Floyd's death. It is important to note that this was the third in a string of similar deaths to make its way into national headlines this month, after Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery were both wrongfully murdered a few months prior.

This is not merely a Black issue. This is an American issue, a human issue. And we need everyone to join together in the fight towards justice.

Here are three ways you can help right now:

Make a donation:

If you are feeling generous with your finances, consider making a donation. Floyd’s family has started a GoFundMe to cover funeral and burial costs, counseling services, legal fees, and continued care for his children. You can also donate to the GoFundMe page for Ahmaud Arbery, a man who recently lost his life due to inhumane acts and discrimination. Also, consider donating directly towards justice-seeking organizations, such as:

• 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.

• The NAACP Legal Defense Fund, which supports racial justice through advocacy, litigation, and education.

For a full list of organizations that need your support, please click here.

Demand accountability:

Spreading information across your social media platforms is great, but please consider taking action in other ways. According to The Cut, you can demand justice by familiarizing yourself with laws in your area and contacting your representatives to press them for their plans on ending discrimination in law enforcement. Also, text "FLOYD" to 55156 to sign the petition, it takes less than one minute!

Take action:

Protesting on the frontlines during this time may not be within everyone’s comfort zone, so it is highly important to remember to prioritize your health, as well as the health of others when deciding whether or not to participate in a protest. Make sure to wear a mask, bring hand sanitizer, water, and to keep as much distance as possible from others. According to Teen Vogue, attending a mass protest during the coronavirus can be very unpredictable, so they have curated a list of precautions to follow. Above all, stay safe and be aware of your surroundings, as well as your rights as a protester, which you can find here. One of the most effective ways to seek justice is by lobbying or contacting your state legislatures to directly influence your local public official on the matter. Click here to find your representative and demand accountability!

In times of uncertainty, fear, and inequality, those who can no longer use their voice depend on us to seek justice. By following these three steps and standing up for those that are oppressed, we can help contribute to demanding justice for Floyd and work towards eliminating police brutality and discrimination.

Cover photo credit: Instagram (@voguemagazine)

UGirlJune 1, 2020