Police Brutality
Message from UC Co-chairs
Hello everyone,
This is an incredibly difficult time for America and especially for the African American community. The recent murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd have caused protests throughout the nation. Another integral part behind the movement has been the coverage of these events through the media. Naturally, passionate students have used social media to inform their following about these terrible murders. However, it is necessary to be considerate when posting or discussing matters pertaining to the recent events. Whenever you are about to post something, please consider the effects that it might have on your audience. Be extremely thoughtful when posting and please do not post anything that may be triggering or that actively criticizes those fighting for equality. Unthoughtful posts can be seen as blatant disrespect of a hurting community. Additionally, even if you are advocating for the movement, refrain from sharing graphic videos of the deceased, such as George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery. Monnica Williams, a clinical psychologist and professor at the University of Ottawa in Canada, states that these videos are re-traumatizing for people of color, and is yet another act of dehumanization: “These are human beings and they deserve dignity, and the fact that you can just go online and ... watch a black person be killed – when is the last time you saw a white person killed online.”
Remember, the fight for racial equality did not start and does not end here. There are millions of resources across the Internet that are helpful in educating and achieving equality, but we urge you to be careful of your sources and make sure they are reputable.
Thank you to all of you who are fighting for equality; we are so proud of your actions. Below are some resources for all who wish to get more involved, or who don’t know what to do next. If any individual is struggling, please feel free to reach out to any member of the Unity Council board, such as laguilar@sjs.org or nbrown@sjs.org.
Hello everyone,
This is an incredibly difficult time for America and especially for the African American community. The recent murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd have caused protests throughout the nation. Another integral part behind the movement has been the coverage of these events through the media. Naturally, passionate students have used social media to inform their following about these terrible murders. However, it is necessary to be considerate when posting or discussing matters pertaining to the recent events. Whenever you are about to post something, please consider the effects that it might have on your audience. Be extremely thoughtful when posting and please do not post anything that may be triggering or that actively criticizes those fighting for equality. Unthoughtful posts can be seen as blatant disrespect of a hurting community. Additionally, even if you are advocating for the movement, refrain from sharing graphic videos of the deceased, such as George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery. Monnica Williams, a clinical psychologist and professor at the University of Ottawa in Canada, states that these videos are re-traumatizing for people of color, and is yet another act of dehumanization: “These are human beings and they deserve dignity, and the fact that you can just go online and ... watch a black person be killed – when is the last time you saw a white person killed online.”
Remember, the fight for racial equality did not start and does not end here. There are millions of resources across the Internet that are helpful in educating and achieving equality, but we urge you to be careful of your sources and make sure they are reputable.
Thank you to all of you who are fighting for equality; we are so proud of your actions. Below are some resources for all who wish to get more involved, or who don’t know what to do next. If any individual is struggling, please feel free to reach out to any member of the Unity Council board, such as laguilar@sjs.org or nbrown@sjs.org.
AAAG/WOC Forum: Black Women and Police Brutality
Date: June 4, 2020
Link to forum transcript: https://docs.google.com/forum-transcript
Link to slides: black_women_and_police_brutality_forum.pdf
Link to resources: https://docs.google.com/AAAG/WOC-forum-resources
Date: June 4, 2020
Link to forum transcript: https://docs.google.com/forum-transcript
Link to slides: black_women_and_police_brutality_forum.pdf
Link to resources: https://docs.google.com/AAAG/WOC-forum-resources
UC Forum: Ahmaud Arbery, Discussion of the Case
Date: May 8, 2020
Date: May 8, 2020
Petitions
To the WH: HERE
Charge the Involved Officers (George Floyd): HERE
Justice for Breonna Taylor: HERE
Justice for Tony McDade: HERE
Defund the Police: HERE
Justice for Regis Korchinski- Paquet: HERE
Get Sandra Bland’s case reopened: HERE
Demand Justice for Sandra Bland: HERE
Arrest Juan DelaCruz for the Murder of Pamela Turner: HERE
More Protection for Black Trans Women in the UK: HERE
Call or Email
For George Floyd: 612-324-4499 // Text FLOYD to 55156
For Breonna Taylor: 502-735-1784
For Ahmaud Arbery: 770-800-0689
Contact Ted Cruz: HERE // (713) 718-3057
Contact John Cornyn: HERE // (202)-224-2934
Contact Lizzie Pannill Fletcher: HERE // (202) 225-2571
Sylvester Turner: 713-837-0311
Lina Hidalgo (Harris County Judge): 713-274-7000
Art Acevedo (HPD Chief): 713-308-1600
White House: HERE
NAACP Script for Representatives: HERE
City Councillor Gord Perks - Parkdale - High Park: councillor_perks@toronto.ca // (416) 392-7919
MPP Bhutilla Karpoche - Parkdale - High Park: BKarpoche-CO@ndp.on.ca // (416) 763-5630
MP Arif Virani - Parkdale - High Park: Arif.Virani@parl.gc.ca // (416) 769-5072
Mayor of Toronto John Tory: mayor_tory@toronto.ca // (416) 397-2489
Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders: officeofthechief@torontopolice.on.ca // (416) 808-2222
Solicitor General - Minister Sylvia Jones: sylvia.jones@pc.ola.org // (416) 325-0408 // (519) 941-7751
Attorney General of Ontario Doug Downey: doug.downey@pc.ola.org // (416) 326-2220 // (705) 726-5538
Call Example: Breonna Taylor
“I am calling on behalf of Breonna Taylor. We demand that John Mattingly, Detective Brett Hankison, and Detective Myles Cosgrove are fired immediately and charged with manslaughter and negligence. We demand that a special prosecutor be appointed to investigate the Louisville Police Department immediately. We demand that a special session be convened to ban no-knock warrants immediately. We demand justice for Breonna Taylor. You cannot shoot an innocent civilian and call it a "clerical error" – we will not have it.”
Email Example: Regis Korchinski- Paquet
Hello [recipient],
I am writing to you in regards to the incident that occurred at 100 High Park Avenue on May 27th, 2020. A 29 year-old Black woman, Regis, has died after allegedly falling off her balcony, despite police being present.
As a concerned citizen, I am very upset and disturbed at the events that took place and the allegations that this caused on the part of the police. I am demanding justice and answers as to the death of Regis Korchinski-Paquet.
A complete and transparent public and independent investigation needs to take place. Charges need to be brought to all the officers involved, as well as all information and evidence should be made available to the public.
Sincerely, [your name]
Donate
Black Lives Matter: HERE
Innocence Project: HERE
Minnesota Freedom Fund: HERE
National Bail Out: HERE
Restoring Justice (for Houston protestors to be bailed out): HERE
American Civil Liberties Union: HERE
Committee to Protect Journalists: HERE
NAACP: HERE
George Floyd Memorial Fund: HERE
Housing and Living Funds for Black Trans Woman Deanna Green: HERE
Mental Health Recovery Fund for Black Trans Women: HERE
Iyanna Dior’s Cashapp: HERE
Loveland Therapy Fund: HERE
Vote (18+)
Register to Vote: HERE !!!
To the WH: HERE
Charge the Involved Officers (George Floyd): HERE
Justice for Breonna Taylor: HERE
Justice for Tony McDade: HERE
Defund the Police: HERE
Justice for Regis Korchinski- Paquet: HERE
Get Sandra Bland’s case reopened: HERE
Demand Justice for Sandra Bland: HERE
Arrest Juan DelaCruz for the Murder of Pamela Turner: HERE
More Protection for Black Trans Women in the UK: HERE
Call or Email
For George Floyd: 612-324-4499 // Text FLOYD to 55156
For Breonna Taylor: 502-735-1784
For Ahmaud Arbery: 770-800-0689
Contact Ted Cruz: HERE // (713) 718-3057
Contact John Cornyn: HERE // (202)-224-2934
Contact Lizzie Pannill Fletcher: HERE // (202) 225-2571
Sylvester Turner: 713-837-0311
Lina Hidalgo (Harris County Judge): 713-274-7000
Art Acevedo (HPD Chief): 713-308-1600
White House: HERE
NAACP Script for Representatives: HERE
City Councillor Gord Perks - Parkdale - High Park: councillor_perks@toronto.ca // (416) 392-7919
MPP Bhutilla Karpoche - Parkdale - High Park: BKarpoche-CO@ndp.on.ca // (416) 763-5630
MP Arif Virani - Parkdale - High Park: Arif.Virani@parl.gc.ca // (416) 769-5072
Mayor of Toronto John Tory: mayor_tory@toronto.ca // (416) 397-2489
Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders: officeofthechief@torontopolice.on.ca // (416) 808-2222
Solicitor General - Minister Sylvia Jones: sylvia.jones@pc.ola.org // (416) 325-0408 // (519) 941-7751
Attorney General of Ontario Doug Downey: doug.downey@pc.ola.org // (416) 326-2220 // (705) 726-5538
Call Example: Breonna Taylor
“I am calling on behalf of Breonna Taylor. We demand that John Mattingly, Detective Brett Hankison, and Detective Myles Cosgrove are fired immediately and charged with manslaughter and negligence. We demand that a special prosecutor be appointed to investigate the Louisville Police Department immediately. We demand that a special session be convened to ban no-knock warrants immediately. We demand justice for Breonna Taylor. You cannot shoot an innocent civilian and call it a "clerical error" – we will not have it.”
Email Example: Regis Korchinski- Paquet
Hello [recipient],
I am writing to you in regards to the incident that occurred at 100 High Park Avenue on May 27th, 2020. A 29 year-old Black woman, Regis, has died after allegedly falling off her balcony, despite police being present.
As a concerned citizen, I am very upset and disturbed at the events that took place and the allegations that this caused on the part of the police. I am demanding justice and answers as to the death of Regis Korchinski-Paquet.
A complete and transparent public and independent investigation needs to take place. Charges need to be brought to all the officers involved, as well as all information and evidence should be made available to the public.
Sincerely, [your name]
Donate
Black Lives Matter: HERE
Innocence Project: HERE
Minnesota Freedom Fund: HERE
National Bail Out: HERE
Restoring Justice (for Houston protestors to be bailed out): HERE
American Civil Liberties Union: HERE
Committee to Protect Journalists: HERE
NAACP: HERE
George Floyd Memorial Fund: HERE
Housing and Living Funds for Black Trans Woman Deanna Green: HERE
Mental Health Recovery Fund for Black Trans Women: HERE
Iyanna Dior’s Cashapp: HERE
Loveland Therapy Fund: HERE
Vote (18+)
Register to Vote: HERE !!!
Learn More
Know the issue. Understand the sociopolitical environment: Research the stories of Black people killed by the police. Discuss these stories and consider ways of ensuring that their experiences shape our police accountability agenda.
Books
Say Her Name: Resisting Police Brutality Against Black Women by Kimberlé Crenshaw
Invisible No More by Andrea J. Richie
The Violent State: Black Women's Invisible Struggle Against Police Violence by Michelle S. Jacobs
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
Stamped From the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas In America by Ibram X. Kendi
The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander
Articles
Campaign Zero: HERE
Police Kill Black Women All The Time, Too — We Just Don't Hear About It: HERE
For Black Women, Domestic Violence and State Violence Go Hand in Hand: HERE
Black Lives Matter Movement History: HERE
BLM Fact vs. Fiction: HERE
The History of Police Brutality in America: HERE
Videos/Podcasts
#SAYHERNAME Videos: HERE
Washington Post Podcast with Andrea J. Richie: HERE
Movies
13th by Ava DuVernay
Fruitvale Station by Ryan Coogler
Selma by Ava DuVernay
Do The Right Thing by Spike Lee
Know the issue. Understand the sociopolitical environment: Research the stories of Black people killed by the police. Discuss these stories and consider ways of ensuring that their experiences shape our police accountability agenda.
Books
Say Her Name: Resisting Police Brutality Against Black Women by Kimberlé Crenshaw
Invisible No More by Andrea J. Richie
The Violent State: Black Women's Invisible Struggle Against Police Violence by Michelle S. Jacobs
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
Stamped From the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas In America by Ibram X. Kendi
The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander
Articles
Campaign Zero: HERE
Police Kill Black Women All The Time, Too — We Just Don't Hear About It: HERE
For Black Women, Domestic Violence and State Violence Go Hand in Hand: HERE
Black Lives Matter Movement History: HERE
BLM Fact vs. Fiction: HERE
The History of Police Brutality in America: HERE
Videos/Podcasts
#SAYHERNAME Videos: HERE
Washington Post Podcast with Andrea J. Richie: HERE
Movies
13th by Ava DuVernay
Fruitvale Station by Ryan Coogler
Selma by Ava DuVernay
Do The Right Thing by Spike Lee
More Resources Lists
Unity Council Police Brutality List
Link: HERE
This document holds petitions, donation sources, and other ways to get in touch with the government. We have also included resources for the Black community, for protestors, for allies, and for anyone who wants to learn more. Please share and use these resources. Email us at stjohnsunitycouncil@gmail.com for any questions.
AAAG/WOC Black Women and Police Brutality Resource List
Link: HERE
This resource page made by the AAAG and WOC board lists ways to help stop police brutality against Black womxn, especially Black, transgender womxn.
Unity Council Police Brutality List
Link: HERE
This document holds petitions, donation sources, and other ways to get in touch with the government. We have also included resources for the Black community, for protestors, for allies, and for anyone who wants to learn more. Please share and use these resources. Email us at stjohnsunitycouncil@gmail.com for any questions.
AAAG/WOC Black Women and Police Brutality Resource List
Link: HERE
This resource page made by the AAAG and WOC board lists ways to help stop police brutality against Black womxn, especially Black, transgender womxn.
