SAN DIEGO — While protests and demonstrations supporting the Black Lives Matter movement are taking place across the world, the COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing – limiting sources of support to worthy organizations. However, if you are so inclined and financially able, charitable giving is a great way to support this growing movement and effect real change in our community. Below is a list of organizations you might consider.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is an organization formed in 1920 to protect the constitutional rights and civil liberties of all American citizens. In addition to their work with various court cases, including those at the Supreme Court level, the ACLU works with federal government agency offices to protect civil rights, and provides educational materials to teach Americans more about their constitutional rights.
To donate to the ACLU, click here.
Anti-Defamation League
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) is an organization seeking to create a nation of equals. They were initially established with the purpose of fighting anti-Semitism. While this is still a focus for the ADL, their mission has expanded to include fighting all forms of hate. They provide anti-bias educational programs and training in schools and partner with law enforcement to identify hate and work to prevent it.
To donate to the ADL, click here.
Black Lives Matter
Black Lives Matter is an organization founded in 2013 with the goal of working together to fight anti-Black racism and bring justice and liberation to all Black people. Their Global Network has worked with celebrities and human rights organizations to bring awareness to issues like police brutality and the need for immigration reform.
To donate to the Black Lives Matter Global Network, click here.
Communities United Against Police Brutality
Communities United Against Police Brutality (CUAPB) is an organization established to deal with police brutality. They work on both day-to-day abuses, as well as more extreme cases by providing support for survivors and families of victims.
To donate to CUAPB, click here.
Equal Justice Initiative
The Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1989 to provide legal representation to people unfairly held in state jails and prisons. This organization produces reports and short films that chronicle the history of racial injustice in America. They also provide research and recommendations to aid criminal justice reform. They have recently begun a Community Remembrance Project, helping communities to confront their histories of racial injustice with a goal toward meaningful dialogue about these experiences.
To donate to the EJI, click here.
NAACP Legal Defense Fund
The NAACP Legal Defense Fund (LDF) is a legal 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to fighting for racial justice. This group uses litigation, advocacy, and public education in an effort to fulfill the promise of equality for all Americans.
To donate to the LDF, click here.
National Urban League
The National Urban League is a civil rights organization founded in 1910 to seek economic empowerment, equality, and social justice for African Americans and others in underserved communities. They work to provide educational excellence, assist economically vulnerable populations with obtaining a living wage, and encourage communities of color to exercise their voting rights through education and assistance with registration.
To donate to the National Urban League, click here.
Reclaim the Block
Reclaim the Block was established in 2018 with the goal of relocating funds from the Minneapolis police department to other areas of the city’s budget. They seek to institute policies of community-led safety initiatives to reduce reliance on police departments.
To donate to Reclaim the Block, click here.
Southern Poverty Law Center
The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) was founded in 1971 with a focus on civil rights law. They are a group dedicated to fighting hate and bigotry through litigation, education, and other forms of advocacy.
To donate to the SPLC, click here.
The African American Policy Forum
The African American Policy Forum (AAPF) was founded in 1996 with a goal of developing new ideas to promote racial justice and all human rights. This organization is currently working on several initiatives, including the #SayHerName campaign, which was established to bring attention to the stories of Black woman and girls who have been victims of police violence.
To donate to AAPF, click here.
The Bail Project
The Bail Project is a nonprofit organization with a determination to prevent mass incarceration and racial disparities by disrupting the money bail system. Their goal is to work toward a more just pretrial system that operates under a presumption of innocence for all. Contributions to the National Revolving Bail Fund can be recycled and used to pay bail two to three times per year.
To donate to The Bail Project, click here.
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Sheryl Rowling is a certified public accountant, personal finance specialist, and principal of Rowling & Associates. She may be contacted via sheryl.rowling@sdjewishworld.com