Opinion: Showing support following George Floyd’s death calls for education, effort

Digital art. (Mia Aranda/ La Plaza media)

By MIA ARANDA

The death of George Floyd has sparked outrage across the country. Officer Derek Chauvin, the police officer seen in the video now watched by millions, has since been charged for third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

Due to the history of police oppression against African Americans, protesters throughout the country are again uniting to let their voices be heard that racism and police brutality will never be okay and must be addressed.

Recent and repeated incidents involving the murder of African Americans, such as Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery, incited people to take action. However, protests in major U.S. cities, such as Minneapolis, Indianapolis, Chicago, New York City, Los Angeles and San Bernardino have turned dangerous. Some people loot local stores and burn down buildings while some law enforcement officers use tear gas, rubber bullets and pepper-spray pellets against the crowds. According to CNN, at least 40 cities have imposed curfews and National Guard members have been activated in 15 states as well as Washington, DC.

There are different ways to show support in response to the untimely, unjustifiable death of George Floyd. The following are just a few actions people can take, but they all require effort and research on each person’s part.

Petitions

Petitions are significant and crucial during this time in order to demonstrate public support for an issue. Signing petitions are opportunities to let people know you support a cause. Petitions created following Floyd’s death center on numerous issues, such as justice for Floyd or for the need to impose greater charges on the ignorant Minneapolis officers.

Donate

Another way to show support is to donate to the victims, protesters, as well as black-owned businesses. Funds are being collected by a variety of organizations for memorials and funerals for the victims, such as Floyd and Arbery as well as other lesser-known victims that deserve the same support, like Regis Korchinski, Destiny Harrison and Jamee Johnson. Organizations have formed to help out activists who have been arrested and forced into jail for protesting. National Bail Fund Network and Bail Fund Google Doc are a few resources to get started in supporting this cause. Funds are also being raised to support small black-owned businesses, many being destroyed in the course of these nationwide riots.

Protest

Protesting is in the foundation of democracy, because it allows for the people to be heard on issues they care about. The decision to lawfully protest is not only a right, it also presents the opportunity to unify with other protesters to express objection or awareness on topics. With masses of people spanning the United States protesting in response to Floyd’s death, it exhibits how Floyd’s life is being respectfully honored.

Become Educated

Don’t become educated on the history of police brutality and racism simply being it is trendy at the moment following George Floyd’s death. These issues are always going to be present in our communities and deserve educated people to better understand the conflicts in the United States involving racism. In addition, one can become a better activist for this issue if they truly grasp what is being advocated for, rather than following along unknowingly.