Anthony's Birthday for Racial Justice

I turn 32 today.

In 2019, over 1,000 individuals died by police violence. Of those, 35% of them died before they reached the age of 32. None of these > 380 individuals could celebrate the birthday that I get to celebrate today because they were killed by the police.

Racism and police violence are both public health crises. Police violence disproportionately impacts black men and boys. Black people were 24% of those killed, despite representing only 13% of the general population. Black men have 2.5 times greater risk of being killed by police than white men. Police violence happens frequently: there were less than 30 days in 2019 where the police didn't kill a person. COVID19 has also disproportionately impacted black individuals and other people of color.

In solidarity with Black Lives Matter and protests and movements to end police brutality and to address deeply rooted racism in this country, I am asking you to help me (for so many reasons beyond my birthday) to fundraise $1000 for racial justice by supporting the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, America's legal counsel on issues of race. Through advocacy and litigation, LDF focuses on issues of education, voter protection, economic justice and criminal justice in the pursuit for racial justice for our country. https://www.naacpldf.org/

For every $1 I raise, I will match a donation (up to $1000) to the Northwest Community Bail Fund. <edit 6/7/2020> I appreciate friends who have pushed me on rethinking donations to Campaign Zero. Though they have done some work to look at policy solutions for police violence, it's important we all think critically about how reform policies play into the larger need to defunding the police. I chose to stand with Northwest Community Bail Fund to instead stand in solidarity with the protesters who are demanding action now.  

To my friends who are standing up, stepping forward, protesting, donating, reading, learning, and having difficult conversations - with yourselves internally and among your family, friends, loved ones - thank you for participating in this hard work. I am with you. We must keep going.

To my friends who are confused, and wondering why some of your newsfeed has changed this week, it is because humanity is having a moment. Reflect on what is happening and where you stand. We all have work to do.

Love and solidarity,

Anthony