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Inspiration for the Fundraiser

I was partially inspired by LaTosha Brown, co-founder of the Black Voters Matter Fund. During a recent virtual Organizer training put on by Crooked Media & Organizing Together 2020, LaTosha Brown said:

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We believe that we have power and that we are going to win, and when we tap into that power, and remind people of their power, we are unstoppable...

Why

I hope that the fundraiser and artist submissions:

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  • Keep the BLM movement and conversation going by featuring art and music from and by BIPOC;

  • Inspire you to donate to these amazing nonprofits;

  • Provide education on BIPOC artists & issues;

  • Encourage you to get involved in a local issue that is important to you;

  • Show the power of the arts; not only for self-expression, but the effect it can have for healing, education, and change.

 

I also want to promote the idea that even within just our own communities, we can affect change through small actions. We should not become too comfortable and reliant on rich, famous, or powerful people as the only ones who can make a difference. As a community, we can band together to raise a seemingly unattainable sum of money for good causes. I hope that through this fundraiser, people in my community can really feel and see the power and impact of their actions.

What, Who, and Where

In light of the current uprising, sparked by the unjust murders of Ahmad Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd—and centuries of oppression and racism—I have been thinking of what I can do within my own community to continue the uprising’s momentum and encourage habitual civic engagement.

 

In the same virtual Organizer training where I was inspired by LaTosha Brown, I was tasked to think about who I know and the unique skills they have. This led me to a very ambitious plan. I have asked colleagues and friends to help me pull this off and now I need your help…

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*insert drum roll here*

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I have decided to create a digital fundraiser/music and arts project with the goal of raising $30,000 to be donated to 3 different nonprofit organizations ($10,000 each) in 30 days. 

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I’m using my upcoming 30th birthday as inspiration for the ultimate goal of raising $30,000 (yes, you did read that right) USD.

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Personally, this project feels like the perfect marriage of my two passions—Social Justice/Politics and Music/The Arts—that I have wanted  to figure out for a long time. I’m excited to see what we can do, and I hope you are too!

Who You're Supporting

The nonprofits that I have chosen are either BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Person of Color) founded and run, and/or have a diverse executive board & staff. These groups have proven to be effective in the work that they do for their communities, and all have missions that are aimed towards equality, much like Black Lives Matter. 

Organization Bios
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Black Voters Matter Fund

National (Based in Georgia), currently in 11 states

“Our goal is to increase power in marginalized, predominantly Black communities.  We agree with the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. when he said, “Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice, and justice at its best is power correcting everything that stands against love.”  We seek to achieve our goals with the following 5 core beliefs in mind:

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  • The key to effective civic engagement and community power is understanding, respecting and supporting local infrastructure.

  • Black voters matter not only on election day, but on the 364 days between election days as well.  This means we must support individuals and organizations that are striving to obtain social justice throughout the year.

  • Black voters matter *everywhere*, including rural counties and smaller cities/towns that are often ignored by candidates, elected officials, political parties and the media.

  • In order for Black voters to matter, we must utilize authentic messaging which speaks to our issues, connects with our hopes and affirms our humanity.  

  • The leadership, talent and commitment demonstrated by Black women in particular must receive recognition and, more importantly, *investment* in order to flourish and multiply.”

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Learn More: www.blackvotersmatterfund.org/the-project 

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Sylvia Rivera Law Project

New York, NY

Sylvia Rivera Law Project works to guarantee that all people are free to self-determine gender identity and expression, regardless of income or race, and without facing harassment, discrimination or violence. SRLP works for the TGNCI(Transgender and non-conforming, QPOC(Queer People of Color)  and other marginalized communities in both the incarcerated and free world.

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SRLP provides pro bono legal services and builds the political participation of transgender, gender non-conforming, and intersec people of color and low income TGNCI people through movement-building work. SRLP is responding to this vivid moment in the history of our movements by increasing our capacity to directly support our members and clients. OUr new micro grants address the urgent survival & self-determination needs of our community members during COVID-19.  

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Learn More: www.srlp.org

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Make the Road New York

New York, NY

Make the Road New York builds the power of Latinx and working class communities of color to achieve dignity and justice through organizing, policy innovation, transformative education and the provision of survival services. Our model integrates four core strategies for concrete change that millions of families feel every day:

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  • Legal and Survival Services to tackle discrimination, abuse and poverty;

  • Transformative Education to develop community members’ abilities to lead our organization, our movement, and society;

  • Community Organizing to transform the systems and power structures impacting our communities; and

  • Policy Innovation to rewrite unjust rules and make our democracy truly accountable to all of us.

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Regardless of immigration status, race, or gender identity, all find safety, support, and solidarity here. Everyone who comes with an individual story of abuse and exploitation finds that they are not alone – that in collectivizing our experiences and voices, we can build the power to change not just one case, but entire systems.

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Learn More: www.maketheroadny.org

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