As surely as our country was built on the exploitation of Black bodies, it was built on the violent removal of the Native people who cared for and were cared for by this land for generations. This month all of SURJ NYC is invited to think about what this dual legacy means - and what actions we might take together.
There is a rich history of Black-Indigenous solidarity, and for good reason. Many of the dangerous inequities—like police violence—that impact Black and brown people even more disproportionately impact Indigenous folks. Generations of white Americans have treated the land as a never-ending resource for making money, in deep violation of sacred traditions of Indigenous people. The effects, from climate and pollution to the extinction of animals and plants, circle back to make Black and brown folks sick.
If we're going to address the roots of these tragedies and crises, we have to move in solidarity with Black, brown, and Indigenous leadership.
In the spirit of that commitment, this month we have a major fundraising goal: we’re aiming to raise more than $20,000 for two organizations: the Manna-hatta Fund, a collective that moves money to the American Indian Community House, and the Justice Committee, a long-standing accountability partner dedicated to building a movement against police violence and systemic racism in New York City. We’re asking you to give to both organizations today.
Moving money is one of the pillars of our white anti-racist practice. We have all profited from white supremacy, and so one of the ways we practice dismantling white supremacy is by regularly moving money to people directly impacted by its violence.
Whether you can make a one-time donation of $5 or a monthly donation of $500, your contribution is important, both to these organizations and to your practice of anti-racism. Let’s put our money where our values are, and show up for BIPOC leadership in New York City in a bold and tangible way, right now. And if you’re already a monthly donor to one or both of these organizations, consider whether you might be able to increase your commitment and still make sure your needs are met.
Click here to move money to the Manna-hatta Fund, and here to support the Justice Committee.
In solidarity and gratitude,
SURJ NYC
P.S. Join Justice Committee for their virtual gala fundraiser Justice State of Mind III: Persistence and Resistance this Thursday at 7pm!