For the past few weeks, in the midst of a pandemic, we have witnessed and continue to witness the hate and oppression carried out against black people, not just in the United States but around the world. What we are seeing play out through protests is a natural reaction to pain. We’re witnessing a global acknowledgement of the fact that the gross injustices committed against black people are wrong and inhumane.
Let us say this unequivocally: We at Mocha Tree Studios are standing in solidarity with the Floyd family, communities in Canada, in the United States and communities across the globe to say “NO” to hate crimes and genocide carried out against black people. We commit to working hard to make the world a better place alongside diverse voices, perspectives, colours and creeds.
We also acknowledge that social movement-building is a marathon, not a sprint. The momentum we gained from protesting, story telling, learning and educating, and from social media posts about anti-racism in the past few weeks will be for nothing if we don't continue to engage with the mission of the Black Lives Matter movement and other anti-racism organizations - today, next week, month, and year.
One of the ways that we can continue the conversation and the hard work required to propel and sustain change is by supporting organizations that fight for racial equality! It is no surprise that even in Canada, racism and discrimination persist against black people specifically and minorities in general. Donating to anti-racism and anti-discrimination groups is one way to help. If possible, donating on a regular basis (a certain amount monthly, for example) would provide these organizations not only with the financial security, but most importantly, with the necessary means to plan for long terms projects and initiatives.
If you are able to donate, here is a non-exhaustive list of organizations you can choose to support. Don't let the conversation stop, don't let the momentum fizzle out.
Black Lives Matter regional chapters
Black Lives Matter is a platform that encourages black communities across Toronto to actively dismantle all forms of anti-black racism, liberate blackness, support black healing, affirm black existence, and create freedom to love and self- determine. The organization builds critical connections and works in solidarity with black communities, black-centric networks, solidarity movements, and allies to to dismantle all forms of state-sanctioned oppression, violence, and brutality committed against African, Caribbean, and Black cis, queer, trans, and disabled populations in Toronto.
Donate: https://blacklivesmatter.ca/
Black Legal Action Centre
A non-profit community legal clinic that provides free legal services for low or no income Black residents of Ontario. They work to combat individual and systemic anti-Black racism by: providing legal representation, summary legal advice and brief services to individual clients; engaging in test case litigation, law reform and community development to improve the laws that affect low income people; giving public legal information sessions to members of the public and other community agencies.
Donate: https://www.blacklegalactioncentre.ca/
Black Women in Motion
A organization that support the advancement of Black women in Toronto through educational tools, economic opportunities and cultural content. Through an anti-racist, intersectional feminist, trauma-informed and survivor-centred framework, Black Women in Motion works to empower and support Black women and survivors of sexual violence.
Donate: https://www.paypal.me/blackwomeninmotion1
Black Health Alliance
The Black Health Alliance is a community-led registered charity working to improve the health and well-being of Black communities in Canada. The organization is driven by groundbreaking research and continues to grow the movement for change. Its goal is to create lasting changes in the lives of the Black community through innovative solutions regarding financial support and Black health and well-being.
Donate: http://blackhealthalliance.ca/get-involved/donate/
Indigenous Awareness Canada
Indigenous Awareness Canada offers Online Indigenous Awareness Training and facilitates in-person workshops. Their mission is to assist you, and all Canadians, to learn about Canada’s Indigenous People and to help non-indigenous Canadians and Indigenous peoples move toward reconciliation. They offer Indigenous Awareness Certification and Training approved by employers across Canada. Get your Certification from the original and most widely recognized Aboriginal Awareness training company
Donate: https://indigenousawarenesscanada.com/
Nia Centre for the Arts
Nia Centre for the Arts is a Toronto-based charitable organization that supports, showcases and promotes an appreciation of arts from across the Afro-Diaspora. Nia Centre is committed to supporting artists working across disciples, and ranging in experience levels. They strive to build the creative capacities and support the development of a healthy identity in Black youth. They are committed to connecting community members to artistic and cultural experiences, year-round.
Donate: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/m/37146/donation
Black Boys Code
At Black Boys Code, they are inspiring a generation of young Black men to take control of their future and become tomorrow’s digital creators and technological innovators. They do that by helping them develop digital literacy and computer competence—the foundational building blocks of an educational path towards a career in the technology field.
Donate: https://blackboyscode.ca/donate/
Canadian Anti-Racism Education and Research Society
The Canadian Anti-racism Education and Research Society is a registered non-profit society and charity. The purpose of the Society is to: track and monitor hate group activity; provide victim support services for hate crime and systemic racism; provide public education about institutional racism, hate groups and hate group recruitment; help youth leave hate groups; liaise with law enforcement and other agencies on racism and hate group activity; work with and support organizations with similar objectives; advocate for legislative change to help stop systemic racism and hate motivated activity.
Donate: CAERS
Canadian Anti-Racism Network
The Canadian Anti-Racism Education and Research Society was founded to track and monitor hate group activity throughout the country. From there, it provides victim support services for hate crime and systemic racism, works with public educational establishments to add curriculum about institutional racism, and helps youth leave hate groups.
The organization also liaises with law enforcement to provide education on systemic racism and advocates for legislative changes to limit systemic racism across the country.
Donate: https://stopracism.ca/
Black Artists' Network Dialogue
Black Artist’ Network in Dialogue (BAND) is dedicated to supporting, documenting and showcasing the artistic and cultural contributions of Black artists and cultural workers in Canada and internationally. BAND Gallery and Cultural Centre is dedicated to developing emerging artists, curators and administrators by providing an accessible venue to showcase their work to the general public. BAND’s Quarterly Canadian Culture Series, is a presentation and speaking series intended to encourage dialogue on current events among Black artists, cultural workers and the larger society.
Donate: https://www.bandgallery.com/memberships-and-donations