“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere” – Martin Luther King Jr.

The senseless death of George Floyd on May 25th, and the unfolding events since, have reminded us at Parcel Monkey that some things are bigger than ourselves, bigger than our corporate mission and too important for us to sit on our hands and do nothing.

As many commentators and voices have highlighted, this is not an isolated incident in the US. George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery are just the most recent tragic victims. Nor is it a phenomenon only in the US. Systemic racial injustice and the persecution of black people at the hands of police is unfortunately a global problem, as explained by Musa Okwonga. This has to change. 

We want to use our small corner of the internet to draw your attention to some organisations that you can support:

Black Lives Matter – “[our] mission is to eradicate white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes. By combating and countering acts of violence, creating space for Black imagination and innovation, and centering Black joy, we are winning immediate improvements in our lives.”

NAACP Legal Defense Fund – “Through litigation, advocacy, and public education, LDF seeks structural changes to expand democracy, eliminate disparities, and achieve racial justice in a society that fulfills the promise of equality for all Americans.”

Black Visions NM – “Black Visions Collective envisions a world in which ALL Black Lives Matter. We use the guidance and brilliance of our ancestors as well as the teachings of our own experiences to pursue our commitment to dismantling systems of oppression and violence. We are determined in our pursuit of dignity and equity for all.”

The Bail Project – “The Bail Project, Inc. is a non-profit organization designed to combat mass incarceration by disrupting the money bail system ‒ one person at a time.” 

There are also funds for the families of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, and Breonna Taylor. These are just a few of the organisations and funds that could use your support, there are many, many more. Parcel Monkey has made contributions to the four organisations listed above earlier this week.

Be an ally

This is a time where we should all take a moment to reflect on our personal politics, our beliefs, and try to improve our understanding of how we can be better allies in our day to day life. Below are some links to information we found educational:

• How to Make this Moment the Turning Point for Real Change by Barack Obama
• What is White Privilege, Really? | Tolerance.org 
• What happens when I try to talk race with white people | Renni Eddo-Lodge
• Let’s get to the root of racial injustice | Megan Ming Francis
• Buzzfeed’s Reading Guide for Fighting Racism