African American Organizations to Know
She felt direct action—such as protest and breaking unjust laws—needed to be used in order to combat discrimination and racial injustice. The Emergency Release Fund NYC is a bail fund specifically for trans people, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the fund has extended their resources to all LGBTQ+ people. As of June 25, the fund says they have helped to free 205 individuals since it was founded in August 2019, totaling over $1.5 million in bail posted. As a part of the National Bail Fund Network, a nationwide collective of over 60 bail funds, the Emergency Release Fund also provides financial help towards immigration bonds for LGBTQ+ detainees. The organization has built a strong foundation through broad collaborative relationships and community partnerships, raising over $5 million in government and philanthropic funding. Children of Promise has also developed its own innovative, holistic model that not only provides direct services but also focuses on long-term solutions to help break the cycle of incarceration and support the overall well-being of these children.
The three police officers responsible — Jon Mattingly, Myles Cosgrove, and Brett Hankison — have yet to be arrested. At the end of May, the FBI reopened the investigation into her death, but protestors have been on the ground since demanding justice for Taylor. The Louisville Bail Fund was created to help bail out those who took to the streets following Taylor’s killing.
African American
Like Lake Street, several businesses in North Minneapolis have been impacted by vandalism and arson. The West Broadway Business and Area Coalition, in collaboration with Northside Funders Group, are now redirecting their donations to aid these northside businesses. Educating friends and family, signing petitions, and demanding action from lawmakers are also important steps to take. And if you’re able, donating to organizations and mutual aid funds doing work on the ground can be huge. Co-founded by NFL star Russell Wilson, Good Man Brand offers high-quality, neutral menswear designed for the modern, on-the-go man. Beyond fashion, the brand black radical congress also supports Wilson’s Why Not You Foundation, with a percentage of proceeds dedicated to empowering youth and fostering positive change in underserved communities.
Red Door Project
The organization develops activities and programs that highlight the benefits of the scientific contributions that African American physicists provide for the international community. NBJC is America’s leading national Black LGBT civil rights organization focused on federal public policy. NBJC provides leadership at the intersection of national civil rights groups and LGBT organizations, advocating for the unique challenges and needs of the African American LGBT community. Black Organizing for Leadership and Dignity (BOLD) is an African American-led nonprofit organization focused on transforming the practice of Black organizers in the U.S. to increase their alignment, impact, and sustainability to create progressive changes. BOLD furthers its purpose through training programs, coaching, and technical assistance for BOLD alumni and partners. The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) was established on September 9, 1915, and seeks to honor the legacy of the founder of Black History Month, Carter G. Woodson.
Whether your interest lies in education, healthcare, or cultural programs, there’s a charity there that aligns with your passions and interests. These groups are providing Black Canadians with mental health support, professional training, barrier-free healthcare access, spaces for artistic development, and more. Additionally, supporting Black-owned charities is an investment in future generations. By funding programs that support Black youth, mentorship, and leadership development, these organizations help cultivate the next generation of leaders, activists, and entrepreneurs. Ensuring that young Black individuals have the resources and opportunities they need can lead to long-term benefits for society. Black-owned charities play an essential role in tackling issues that disproportionately affect Black communities, from food insecurity and mass incarceration to systemic inequality.