Friends,

We wanted to make sure you saw our note below about our Share Our Survival Stories Event tomorrow, but before that I wanted to check in on our Black community members and those who are hurting across America. 

We are a Black-led multi-racial organization that is hurting and angry right now because of the murder of George Floyd. Because of the murder of Ahmaud Arbery. Because of the murder of Breonna Taylor. Because of the murder of Nina Pop. Because of the murders of countless people in our community from a police system that should be protecting them. Because of the violence. Because of anti-blackness. Because of systemic violence. 

Here are ways you can help:

1. Support Black Lives and Organizing: In response to the righteous movements across the country, we are joining with the Movement for Black Lives week of action this week. MFBL is supporting organizations on the ground like Just Georgia and Reclaim the Block in Minneapolis.
2. Kick off Gun Violence Awareness Month: Support black-led survivors of gun violence as we help to center and share stories from across the country. Sign up here and join us tomorrow at 1pm EST. 
3. Join our Police Violence is Gun Violence Educational and Action Webinars: Years ago despite push back, advocate and activist Dante Barry said “police violence is gun violence”, and we have always agreed. Starting this week, we will host weekly awareness events to support advocates working together to elevate advocates working on this issue. This week we will be joined by the NAACP Youth and College Division, the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, and advocates from across the country. 

Many of you have reached out on how you can help support work as allies and supporters. We are here to demand that you not only show up as allies, but become co-conspirators and start to think about how you can help to cede power within this movement. George Floyd was killed by a system of racism, anti-Blackness, and police brutality. That same system is directed connected to a system of violence that allows guns to flow into Black communities. That same system has supported more money for law enforcement versus more money for evidence based violence prevention efforts. A white friend of mine in Houston challenged her friends with the following: "We cannot just rely on pulling more diverse seats up to the tables of power. White people (or as Ta-Nehisi Coates would say, "people who call themselves white"), in order to address the root causes of these issues, we need to cede power. Cede seats at the table. I am looking especially at my white, progressive upper middle class/upper income friends. I am looking at myself."

Today I challenge you to decide what you are willing to give up, who you are centering, and what this moment means to you. 

In solidarity, 

Amber Goodwin

Founder & Executive Director

CJAF is building a movement with and for communities of color to end gun violence. We work with stakeholders and grassroots organizations to promote evidence based policies to build safe and just communities. Donate here to support our work.

Community Justice Action Fund
1875 K St NW
Washington, DC 20006
United States

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