StarBright Freedom Fund
On May 30, 2020, I participated in my first protest to march peacefully for Justice For George Floyd and again to say that Black Lives Matter. It was a peaceful protest but then it changed.
Tear gas was thrown into the crowds, people got hurt and people got arrested. I was afraid, sad, and angry by what transpired.
While most know me as Astronaut StarBright and campaigning for literacy, girls empowerment and STEM initiatives I can not sit here and not lend my platform to help show that my life matters and all Black Lives Matter. I’m saddened by how people continue to mistreat and abuse Black people.
After my peaceful participation in the protest over the weekend, I couldn’t sleep for days. I was still sad and angry. I cried and cried. Then I realized I wanted to know what more could I do. Because I don’t want this continue. I want to live. I felt that I would create the StarBright Freedom Fund that would help provide community support for those who civil liberties have been deprived, survivors of injustices and educational tools for youth like me who want to learn how to help through various outlets and resources.
That means your donations would go towards many things like; bail outs, medical expenses, mental health resources, basic needs for their families like food/water, and educational training for those who want to help in a peaceful and positive way.
I don’t know all the answers. But I know it will take me finding the best initiatives and programs already in place and lend my support to those organizations that have been doing this work for years to bring about change.
I also know as a kid I want to try to be one but at this moment in time, As a Black girl cannot stand and watch anymore violence against Black people simply because we are Black. Again our lives matter too.
Donations I raise be will released via CashApp, Paypal or Cashiers check to organization’s on the frontlines or individuals who need of the things I mentioned above.
It really hurts to see peaceful protesters harmed by police brutality. It is our Constitutional Right to have the freedom to peacefully assemble and make our voices heard. I think it’s extremely unfair that those protesting not only for George Floyd, but for other victims of abuse, brutality, systemic racism and oppression, are being silenced.
I literally CANNOT even think about my dreams of space exploration, like going to Mars when it’s apparent that after over 400 years of oppression work is still needed today. I CANNOT continue at this moment to read about stars when my people are being abused, beaten and killed. How can I live my dream on Mars if I can’t even live it here on Earth.
George Floyd "Please stop. Everything hurts." Yes, EVERYTHING. It does. We can't sleep. We can't jog. We can't drive. We can't breathe. We can't, BE.
So TIMES UP for the injustices and mistreatment of Black people. If you agree I hope you will please share and donate. #BlackLivesMatter
Thank you,
Taylor
