It's been just over a week since George Floyd died in police custody in Minneapolis.
The 46-year-old was killed when officer Derek Chauvin kneeled on his neck for over eight minutes.
Mr. Floyd's death has sparked hundreds of protests across America all week and outrage online.
Protesters outside the US Embassy in Dublin on Monday 1st June
Here are five ways you can show your support to the George Floyd and Black Lives Matter movements:
1. Donate to the cause
- The Floyd family have started an official GoFundMe. You can find that here.
- Minneapolis charity Reclaim The Block work to move funds from police departments into other areas of the community. They've received lots of support in the last week so have decided to share a list of other worthy causes. Find it here.
- Direct Provision was a big topic among Dublin protesters yesterday. The Irish Refugee Council, Amnesty.ie and Doras are just some of the Irish charities working with asylum seekers, refugees and migrants in Ireland.
- The Minnesota Freedom Fund pays bail for people who can't afford it. Since George Floyd's death the organisation has been working to free protestors. You can donate here.
2. Educate yourself
Educating ourselves is one of the most important things we can do.
There is an official Black Lives Matter website which offers information and resources. Find it here.
Lots of Irish artists are vocal on social media about racial justice in Ireland.
Follow Erica Cody here, Celaviedmai here, UD here, Soulé here and Tolu Makay here.
3. Attend a protest
The next Dublin protest is planned for Saturday 6th June.
Those who want to attend are asked to meet outside the US Embassy in Ballsbridge at 3pm.
It's important to remember that we're still in the middle of COVID-19 lockdown.
While socially distancing measures will be respected at this protest, you may not feel comfortable attending.
However, you can protest from home by posting photos, making signs for your car or windows and showing your support online.
If you're planning to attend the protest bring water, wear marks and maintain a safe distance from others.
4. Sign a petition
Here are just four of the petitions out there. Get searching online for more!
- Justice For George Floyd via change.org
- Justice For George Floyd via NAACP
- #WeCantBreathe via new website wecantbreathenational.org
- A letter to the Minster regarding Direct Provision in Ireland via amnesty.ie
Protesters outside the US Embassy in Dublin on Monday 1st June
5. Speak Up
It's more important than ever that we use our voices.
Educate yourself, donate what you can, sign petitions, attend protests in ways you feel comfortable.
If you see something happening that you're not comfortable with, call it out.
These are just five of many ways you can get involved in support the George Floyd and Black Lives Matter movements.
