We know that you all look forward to our weekly women only playlist, but we realized there are more important things in the world right now to post about. People of color lose their lives to police violence everyday, and here at Swagballz we understand that WHITE SILENCE IS COMPLIANCE, CONSENT, AND VIOLENCE. Below we've constructed a few lists of helpful links (how to support, where to donate, petitions).
"If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor." --Desmond Tutu (South African Human Rights Activist)
Places to donate:
BlackLivesMatter - Black Lives Matter is a "movement to end State-sanctioned violence, liberate Black people, and end white supremacy forever."
Grassroots Law Project - This is an organization who is working tirelessly to reform the American criminal justice system.
GoFundMe - This is a GoFundMe set up by George Floyd's biological brother, Philonise Floyd. The funds will be used to cover the funeral, burial expenses, counseling, lodge/travel for court proceedings, and an educational fund for his daughter.
TheLoveLand Foundation - This foundation provides assistance to women and girls of color struggling with mental health. "Through fellowships, residency programs, listening tours, and more, ultimately we hope to contribute to both the empowerment and the liberation of the communities we serve."
Bail Funds - This link will take you to a page that lists all the bail funds set up for protesters in every state in the US. You will then be directed to a page where you can donate to bail protesters out in your state.
NAACP Legal Defense Fund - Donating to this fund will help the NAACP Legal Defense team "win landmark legal battles, protect voters across the nation, and advance the cause of racial justice, equality, and an inclusive society."
National Police Accountability Project - This project is a "non-profit dedicated to ending law enforcement abuse through legal action and educational programming."
Know Your Rights Camp - Colin Kaepernick started this camp after getting kicked out of the NFL for kneeling during the national anthem in protest of social injustices in America.
Petitions to sign:
NATIONAL ACTION AGAINST POLICE BRUTALITY - This petition has been set up to make sure that police officers who kill unarmed individuals get prosecuted to the fullest.
Ban The Use Of Rubber Bullets For Crowd Control - Rubber bullets are an extremely inhumane way to "control a crowd." Rubber bullets are causing people to lose eyes, bone fractures, injuries to internal organs, and even cause bleeding in the brain.
Pardon Black Woman Imprisoned for Voting - Crystal Mason had previously spent time in prison for tax fraud, and for that was unknowingly striped of her right to vote. As she attempted to vote in the 2016 presidential election, she got arrested and is now doing time in prison. Please sign this petition in an attempt to get her out of prison and at home with her family.
Justice for Jennifer Jeffley - "Jennifer Jeffley was 15 years old when she was arrested for the murder of Maria Palomina. A murder that she did not commit. Innocent of the crime that she was convicted of, Jennifer has been behind bars more than 20 years serving a life sentence." Please sign this petition in an effort to release Jennifer.
Hands Up Act - The Hands Up Act is a legislation proposal that would prohibit and prevent police officers from shooting unarmed citizens. "If there isn’t a weapon found after someone has been shot (therefore, unarmed) by a police officer, then I propose that the officer should receive a mandatory 15-year prison sentence."
Justice for Breonna Taylor - Taylor was a model citizen, a great EMT and not only worked at one but two hospitals during the COVID-19 crisis. "Louisville Police Department performed an illegal, unannounced drug raid on her home. Not a single officer announced themselves before ramming down her door and firing 22 shots, shooting Breonna 8 times, killing her. Not only were the police at the WRONG HOUSE, but the man they were looking for had already been arrested earlier that day."
Black-Owned Cannabis companies to support:
Pure Oasis - This dispensary is located in Boston, MA. It was the first dispensary in MA, and the first black-owned as well. Unfortunately, it was looted on May 30th, but the community has been coming together to help out tremendously according to owner Kobie Evans.
Simply Pure - Located in Denver, this dispensary was not only the first female-owned dispensary in the COUNTRY, but first black-owned dispensary in the country as well.
Green Peakz - The Oakland, California dispensary is owned by 26-year old Jesse Grundy. He has his hands in everything from the weed strains to packaging: "We focus on exotic strains that are all hand picked by me. I handle all the designs from packaging, to the logo, to running the social media." @thepeakzco
Viola - This company was created by former NBA player Al Harrington. They carry flower, pre rolls, and extracts. Viola has cultivating facilities in Michigan, California, Oregon, and Colorado.
Kush And Cute - Iyana Edouard owns this cannabis brand to educate and bring awareness to black women about the benefits of CBD oil while making sure they smoke with cute stoner accessories!
Deuces 22 - NBA Champion John Salley teamed up with his daughter Tyla Salley to create this premium cannabis brand. They provide flower, pre-rolls and topicals. The company also has an educational tab on their site which provides educational photos, videos, contests, and articles.
We hope that everyone protesting is being safe and cautious. We would also like to thank you for doing your part in making this country and world a better place.
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