Dear John,

As the world wrestles with the pain and grief over the death of George Floyd, there are dozens of news clips, articles, pictures, Tweets, and videos we want to share with you, but we had to narrow them down to ten this week.

For three years, we at TakeAction have shared our analysis in this news digest about the threat of white nationalism, the intentional erosion of democratic institutions, and the threat of authoritarianism and fascism.

Last year, a reporter asked me (Kenza) if I think the President is a fascist. My response at the time was, “we shouldn’t have to ask the question.” Today, I would say yes.

But right now, our collective call to action has little to do with electoral politics. A different president would help, but that still would not undo the fact that we live in a country built by slaves, on stolen land, with 400 years of racist history.

Rather, the urgent call is to understand that our systems are not broken. They are working exactly as they’re intended – to serve the interest of a wealthy and powerful few.

Moreover, our job is to go beyond fixing these systems. All of us who are white and non-Black POC allies have to hold ourselves accountable and unlearn anti-Blackness. Changing the world starts with ourselves.

Healing is not easy—it is hard, messy, painful work. Thank you to everyone putting their bodies on the line during a global pandemic to bring justice for George Floyd.

If you have lived through other protest eras and have wisdom to share, we’d love to hear from you.

Here’s what we’re reading, watching, and listening to this week:

1. Defund the Police

The Minneapolis Police Department abandoned Minneapolis last week. Read why the movement to defund police is growing.

Also, sent in by a reader: Prison Abolition Should be the American Dream.

2. Disband MPD

Minneapolis City Councilor Steve Fletcher’s commentary in Time about why MPD must be disbanded and what could come next. Seriously read this.

3. Breonna Taylor

Today would have been Breonna Taylor’s 27^th birthday had she not been murdered by cops while sleeping. Read this interview with her mother and take action to demand justice.

4. Black Trans Lives Matter

On May 27^th, police in Tallahassee, Florida murdered Tony McDade, a Black trans man. Know his story and fight for justice for him too. Read more.

5. Unicorn Riot

Unicorn Riot’s reporting has been absolutely indispensable. Even when cops have been attacking reporters, they’ve been on the ground, livestreaming what is really happening in Minneapolis. Read a profile of their work in the New Yorker and consider making a donation to support their work.

6. White Nationalists

The same groups behind the “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville set our cities on fire and are attempting to hijack narratives around Black Lives Matter protests. Here’s the national picture.

7. Murals

If you’ve been in Minneapolis in the last week and a half, you have seen how boarded up shops have become canvasses to express our collective grief, rage, and hope. Check out them out here.  

8. Questions? 

Written by and for white folks, frequently asked questions about Black Lives Matter, protesting, and how to fight for change. Read and share this honest, practical guide.  

9. Everyday Heroes

Earlier this week, Rahul Dubey invited dozens of protestors take sanctuary inside his apartment. Washington D.C. police shot tear gas into his home and wouldn’t let anyone leave all night, but he kept folks safe. Be like Rahul. You have to read this interview about the police siege and his covert mission to get pizza for the protestors.

10. Something Lighter

A taste of TikTok this week from Black creators and allies. Watch the videos.

And oh, there’s a full moon eclipse today. Get your horoscope.

For an update on TakeAction’s priorities in this moment, head to our blog. That’s a wrap.

-- Kenza Hadj-Moussa & Patrick Burke