North Texas Protestors Protection Fund
If you can't contribute to protest efforts by being physically present, there is no better way to support non-violent activism than contributing to the safety and well-being of those who are putting their livelihoods on the line.
Over the course of just the last few months, activists have repeatedly exposed how local authorities in these communities have conspired and colluded with unlawful, all-white armed militias in coordinated campaigns meant to intimidate and harrass protestors engaged in First Amendment protected activities.
In early June, Gainesville Police issued a permit to a non-local militia, though, militia leaders clearly stated on their application how they planned to counter peaceful protests with an armed “show of force.”
A few days later, social media comments were discovered on the Gainesville Police Department’s Facebook page calling for this armed militia. Family members of Cooke County Sheriff’s deputies even engaged with the post. Every Sunday for weeks thereafter, multiple all-white, armed militias were allowed to enter and surround areas permitted to the PRO Gainesville organization so as to intimidate and harass protestors. These armed racists made blatant threats against unarmed and non-violent protestors and all in the presence of city and county law enforcement who refused to take reports or respond appropriately.
Communities like Weatherford, Belton, Tyler, Cleburne, and others continue to face similar threats of violence while local law enforcement have done little to nothing to protect protestors. Like Gainesville, armed unlawful militias have been allowed to repeatedly surround, harrass, and intimidate non-violent activists while police stand by idly in watch, sometimes no where to be seen at all.
On top of it all, many leaders continue to face daily threats of violence as racists post their home addresses, pictures of their children, along with threats of violence that are ignored by authorities. They have officers sitting outside their homes. Threatening messages left on their propterties.
Make no mistake, these are coordinated campaigns designed to terrorize people of color and their allies in order to suppress First Amendment protected protests for racial equality.
Donate today and help keep organizers targeted by racists in their communities safe by funding licensed and state registered security officers committed to protecting them with their lives in the face of lethal threats and willing to afford written affidavits when they witness rights violations committed by on duty LEOs. Funds may also be used to install home surveillance and security for individuals considered high risk.
