*DISCLAIMER* This section has been written and compiled by our 2020 executive board, and none of us are Black. We are gathering information and resources from Black activists, creatives, and friends. We want to use the platform that we have to support and amplify Black voices and experiences, not take up space or speak for the Black community. Please message us if any information on the following pages is incorrect, ignorant or we’ve left out any important information or points, and we will edit the posts as soon as we can. To contact us, email ummagazine.ucsb@gmail.com or DM us on instagram @ummagazineucsb
PROTESTS, RALLIES, MARCHES, DEMONSTRATIONS, ETC. :
Show up to protests and demonstrations. Show your support for the Black community without taking up space or silencing Black voices. Use your privilege to protect. Bring friends and allies with you, there is power in numbers.
Share photos of protests, demonstrations, etc. but NEVER post an image or video with a protestor’s face or any identifying tattoos/piercings/jewelry. Circulating these photos on social media spreads awareness, but police can and will use these and facial recognition software to make arrests and punish protestors.
Check your privilege. Peaceful events have been turning violent, often instigated by white and non-Black POC protestors, but blame and severest consequences fall onto Black folx. Again, LISTEN to the Black voices around you and don’t do anything that will put Black protestors in danger.
Do your research on demonstrations before you decide to attend them. Many fake protests are being set up by white supremacist organizations, and many may be police traps as well. Even at real protests, demonstrations, and riots, undercover officers are infiltrating crowds. Many of them use identifying features so they can recognize other cops in crowds and not attack them if/when violence ensues. Bulletproof vests can almost always be seen through thin t-shirts.
https://twitter.com/alldatgrande/status/1266903440908640258
https://twitter.com/ZackBornstein/status/1266547600330600448
Remember that as this information spreads and becomes more public, cops will change their practices. Look for up-to-date identifying features and tactics that cops use in your area specifically to be prepared before you attend an event.
WEAR A MASK. Not only does this protect you and other protestors from spreading/contracting COVID-19, but it also protects your identity and safety. Having a mask covering half of your face makes facial recognition much harder in person, and also protects protestors from being identified in photos that will circulate.
TURN OFF YOUR PHONE. Turn off Face ID, data, and location services. Perhaps even leave your phone at home or in the car. You don’t need to take videos for snapchat.
https://twitter.com/ihyclip/status/1266965835232534528
Don’t feel bad for leaving an event early if you feel unsafe. Protect yourself, your friends, and your community.
More in-depth information about what to do before, during, and after protests can be found here:
https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/#protesters
TEXT, CALL, SIGN, STAY ENGAGED:
Text “FLOYD” to 55156 to sign the petition
Text “JUSTICE” to 668366
Call the Minneapolis Mayor (Jacob Frey - (612) 673-2100) and the District Attorney (Mike Freeman (612) 348-5550) and Leave a message demanding that 4 officers including Derek Chauvin (Badge #1087) and Tou Thao (Badge #7162) be arrested for the murder of George Floyd
Instagram accounts to follow to keep yourself up-to-date and engaged:
@blklivesmatter
@munroebergdorf
@nupol_justice
@indyamoore
@ucsbintersectionalfeminists
@vrye
@activismgirl
@nastyfeminism
VOTE:
Not voting is a vote. The entire “democratic” system we live in needs to be dismantled and restructured, but this will not be a quick process. Vote for Black candidates to ensure representation. Look into the history of candidates before you make your decision. Politicians often say one thing one day, then another the next; a lot of candidates have been a part of this system for years, and looking at their past terms, votes, and decisions is really telling about their values and whether they stand for justice and equality, or just want to get votes. Look into who funds campaigns. Your vote is your voice.
While presidential elections receive the most media attention, local elections affect you just as much—if not more. Research people running for office in your county, they are also much more accessible. Contact the current administration, ask them questions and urge them to act with the community they’re supposed to represent in mind. Make your voice heard.
Also, FUCK TRUMP.