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As protests erupt across the country in response to racial injustice and police brutality following the killing of George Floyd, you may be wondering how you can support the fight for equality and empower Black communities. A powerful way to contribute is by donating to organizations that are actively working toward these goals—whether through legal defense, healthcare efforts, or other initiatives. Below are five organizations to consider donating to (and you can explore more from this list, compiled by Charity Navigator).
1. Black Lives Matter
Founded in 2013 in response to the acquittal of the man who killed Trayvon Martin, Black Lives Matter is a chapter-based organization dedicated to ending state violence against Black communities and advocating for social, economic, and political equality.
"We are driven by the principle that every Black life matters, irrespective of sexual identity, gender identity, gender expression, economic status, ability, disability, religious beliefs or non-beliefs, immigration status, or geographical location," the organization states on its website.
Click here to make a donation.
2. NAACP Legal Defense Fund
The NAACP Legal Defense Fund (LDF), founded by Thurgood Marshall in 1940, is a law firm dedicated to protecting civil rights and achieving equality through systemic change and racial justice.
"By means of litigation, advocacy, and public education, LDF aims to bring about structural reforms that enhance democracy, eliminate disparities, and secure racial justice in a nation that honors the promise of equality for all its citizens," the LDF mission statement reads.
Click here to contribute.
3. Black Women’s Health Imperative
Although data on COVID-19 is still being updated, the CDC has recognized that the current statistics indicate "a disproportionate impact of illness and death among racial and ethnic minority groups." The CDC has also highlighted that Black, American Indian, and Alaska Native women are "two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women." In essence, Black women face particular challenges when it comes to receiving high-quality healthcare and life-saving treatment, making the Black Women's Health Imperative even more critical.
The goal of the Black Women's Health Imperative is "to spearhead efforts to address the most urgent health challenges faced by Black women and girls in the U.S." Alongside creating programs and advocating for policies to combat these issues, they also provide education on prevention, healthcare options, and more.
Click here to contribute.
4. National Association of Black Journalists
The National Association of Black Journalists, the largest network of journalists of color, advocates for equitable media representation by supporting Black journalists in advancing to leadership roles, offering professional development opportunities, awarding scholarships to aspiring journalists, and more. Additionally, they work to influence change within the industry by "raising awareness among media outlets about the importance of fairness in the workplace for Black journalists."
Click here to contribute.
5. Center for Black Equity
The Center for Black Equity empowers Black LGBTQ+ individuals by developing a network of community organizations that, in alignment with their mission statement, aim to promote “health and wellness, economic empowerment, and equal rights while fostering individual and collective responsibility and self-determination."
Click here to contribute.
