HOW YOU CAN HELP - Black Lives Matter

During this time we are seeing a lot of darkness come into play but we are not here to shame, we are not here to hate, we are here to support. We at MIJA are in complete support of the Black Lives Matter movement as it is more than just a movement. 

What we are seeing today is a reaction of years of oppression and trauma that the Black community has faced. We've seen Black lives turn into a hashtag, we've seen Black lives be referred to as political and that is not okay. Black lives are NOT a political topic. I repeat BLACK LIVES ARE NOT A POLITICAL TOPIC. As we stand by Black lives and all that is happening we wanted to share some resources for you all. 

Below we have listed some Protest safety tips if you are deciding to protest. Whereas we know not everyone is into protesting or doesn't feel comfortable especially with COVID-19 we wanted to offer other ways that you can help including Bailout funds for protestors and petition links. We hope to continue to share more information with  you all as everything is happening. 

Kyra Rosa, Founder of MIJA

All resources found by: Sabrina Cabrera Rivera

IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND A PROTEST

Make sure that your voice is being heard but COVID-19 is still about so make sure to keep a mask on at all times

Tear gas will burn your eyes and cause a lot of pain. Goggles will help to avoid getting any of the gas in your eyes as well as any stray rubber bullets from hitting them. Try to wear dense clothing! We know it is summer and it is getting warmer but better safe than sorry. Tear gas also sticks to clothing so change as quickly as possible!

Certain makeup products might bind with chemicals and cause you harm. Jewelry can be grabbed or snagged which could lead to serious harm!

It is important to stay hydrated and full of energy. Bring a few bottles of water and a snack or two. 

this will protect your eyes from teargas. You can keep this in a spray bottle to keep from using all of it or put some in an empty water bottle if you don't’ have a spray bottle. 

While a lot of sites state not to bring your phone due to potential tracking we encourage that you have one in case of an emergency. Keep a list of emergency contacts on  your phone if something were to happen. You should always make sure that someone you trust knows where you are going to be. Below are some apps that you can use in fear of being tracked. 

If you choose not to use a phone please write down some emergency contact numbers on your arm where, cover it up with tape or something, you can also write it on paper. 

We, at Yas Mija, want you to be as safe as you can be during your protest. Please be prepared for any case scenario and continue to use your voice as your strongest weapon during this time. 

OTHER WAYS YOU CAN HELP

SIGN THESE PETITIONS

• Breonna Taylor - https://www.standwithbre.com/
• Ahmaud Arbery - https://www.runwithmaud.com/
• George Floyd - https://www.justiceforbigfloyd.com/

To sign more petitions or get involved with The Action pac -  https://theactionpac.com/

HELP PROTESTS - Bail funds/Probono lawyers

We have only listed Florida cities because of this being where we are located. If you need any information on other cities we have provided the following link. If you have any other questions or need more information do not hesitate to ask us as we will be happy to find this information for you.

Additional Bailout resources by state: 

https://www.communityjusticeexchange.org/nbfn-directory

Florida

Bailout fund: 

https://www.gofundme.com/f/CommunitySupportFund?utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer&utm_campaign=p_lico+share-sheet

Pro-Bono Lawyers: 

• Plata Schott Law 904-619-5244

Take Action: Call this number to demand the expedient release of protesters who were arrested during the recent protests. Jail watch lieutenant 904-630-5760 

Pro-Bono Lawyers:  

• Legal Services of Greater Miami
• ACLU of Florida
• Saint Thomas University Human Rights Institute

Take Action: Call this number to demand the expedient release of protesters who were arrested during the recent protests. Jail watch lieutenant 786-263-7000 

Pro-Bono Lawyers: 

• Daniel Martinez
• (321) 505-1580
• Andrew Darling Law
• (321) 663-6536

Take Action: Call this number to demand the expedient release of protesters who were arrested during the recent protests. Jail watch lieutenant 321-235-5300 

Pro-Bono Lawyers: 

• Legal Services of North Florida Private Bar Involvement Program
• (850) 385-9007
• Legal Aid Foundation of the Tallahassee Bar Association
• (850) 222-3292

Take Action: Call this number to demand the expedient release of protesters who were arrested during the recent protests. Jail watch lieutenant 850-606-3500 

Pro-Bono Lawyers: 

• Bay Area Legal Services
• (813) 232-1343
• Gulfcoast Legal Services
• (727) 443-0657

Take Action: Call this number to demand the expedient release of protesters who were arrested during the recent protests. Jail watch lieutenant  813-247-8300

Call Prompt:  “My name is ___ and I am a Jacksonville Resident. We demand answers on why those who bond have been posted for will not be released, as this is a violation of their rights and they must be released immediately. We demand for the Duval County Jail to open! This is political repression and it is appalling to see jso act in unlawful ways. We demand for all Protestors that have a bond posted to be released immediately!”

(this prompt can be used for any city, make sure you find out what number to call and replace the City name and county name with the city/county that you are from) 

Additional Resources

• https://www.elle.com/culture/career-politics/a32723435/protest-safely-during-pandemic/
• https://www.ajc.com/news/national/ways-stay-safe-while-participating-protest/mDFoFs4SPSEuHCe2mQe9DN/
• http://www.hopesandfears.com/hopes/city/how-to-gear-up/216551-what-to-wear-protest