Daily Donations: 6/11/2020 — (Justice for Breonna Taylor, Samelys Lopez (US House, NY-15), Democratic Socialists of America)
First: Justice for Breonna Taylor
There is something incredibly powerful about hearing the name of a victim of police brutality come out of your mouth for the first time — not in a tweet or a Facebook post but actually passing your lips in a demand for justice and action, surrounded by thousands of others demanding the same.
I felt this feeling marching under the arch just days after George Floyd’s murder sent millions across the country into the streets. And then again in Brentwood a few days later, and once more on a sweltering Sunday outside of the Metropolitan Police Station in downtown St. Louis; and I look forward to feeling it yet again this weekend, marching in the streets of the community that I grew up in.
There is something incredibly powerful about hearing “Breonna Taylor” come out of your own mouth as you exercise your right to demand justice for a life taken too soon. It moves something within you in a way that sitting behind a screen simply cannot.
It almost brought me to tears.
It has been 90 days since Breonna Taylor was murdered in her own home by Louisville Metro Police Department officers Jonathan Mattingly, Brett Hankison, and Myles Cosgrove. The officers have yet to be brought to justice for their crimes. However, as we continue to find our voices, to organize and realize the power that hearing our demands has to invigorate something within us, we can also begin to realize that our voices have power beyond us. A power to not only transform ourselves, but to transform the world.
I hope that you will continue to exercise your voice and to realize that power, even as broader attentions may begin to shift away from the people in the streets.
Today I am donating to the Justice for Breonna Taylor gofundme because, while we have started to make progress towards our demands, we cannot let up.
You can join me and donate to Justice for Breonna Taylor here.
Second: Samelys Lopez Campaign for US House of Representatives (NY)
Ok, quick tone switch.
Samelys Lopez is running for the US House of Representatives in New York’s 15th congressional district! You should vote for her if you live in the Bronx! You should donate to her if you don’t! Here are 3 reasons why:
- She is endorsed by AOC and Bernie Sanders!
- She is endorsed by the DSA!
- She recently released a detailed list of Criminal Justice Reform Demands!
You can donate to Samelys Lopez here.
Third: Democratic Socialists of America
DSA is an amazing organization, (dislaimer: I am a dues-paying member). They engage in a broad variety of activities, programs, political actions, and more to promote Democratic Socialism in America.
Democratic socialists believe that both the economy and society should be run democratically — to meet public needs, not to make profits for a few. To achieve a more just society, many structures of our government and economy must be radically transformed through greater economic and social democracy so that ordinary Americans can participate in the many decisions that affect our lives.
They believe that democracy and socialism are two philosophies that compliment each other, but for historical reasons the word “socialism” carries a negative connotation in the US.
DSA works to educate on what socialism is and what its benefits are through online resources, events, and through local chapters that allow for people to organize, educate, and engage with their community.
They are also a great resource for finding and progressive candidates through their endorsements!
You can donate to Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) here.
Every day in June I’ll be making 3 donations — one to a cause in the immediate term, one to a cause in the medium term, and one to a longer term cause. If you’d like to get involved, let me know! I’d be more than happy to share ideas and take suggestions. You can find all of the causes I’ve donated to so far, HERE.