via BlackLivesMatter.com
A few months ago the Black Lives Matter movement dominated the news cycle as waves of protestors took to the streets following the non-indictments of police officers in the deaths of Michael Brown in Ferguson, MO and Eric Garner in New York City. And while it may be earning less media coverage now, the movement is still very much alive both in physical spaces and online.
Below are a collection of organizations and individuals who are either specifically involved in the movement or contributing to the national discussion about racial inequality. This list just scratches the surface of the work being done, but adding any of these names to your social media platforms is an easy way to stay informed and educated about the fight for justice.
ORGANIZATIONS
- Black Lives Matter: Activist group formed in the aftermath of George Zimmerman’s acquittal for the murder of Trayvon Martin
- Black Youth Project 100: National youth-centered organization that approaches its activism through a feminist, queer perspective
- The Ferguson Response Network: Blog that posts information about protest events and actions around the country
- Project NIA: Organization that fights to reduce the reliance on arrest, detention, and incarceration
- This Is The Movement: Newsletter designed to connect activists
- Lost Voices: Ferguson-based youth activist group
- BlackOUT Collective: Black direct action collective
INDIVIDUALS
- Patrisse Cullors (@osope): Black Lives Matter co-founder
- Opal Tometi (@opalayo): Black Lives Matter co-founder
- Alicia Garza (@aliciagarza): Black Lives Matter co-founder
- “Ida’s Disciple” (@prisonculture): Project NIA founder
- Charlene Carruthers (@CharleneCac): National Director of BYP 100
- Ta-Nehisi Coates (@tanehisicoates): Atlantic writer
- Johnetta “Netta” Elzie (@Nettaaaaaaaa): St. Louis activist and organizer
- DeRay McKesson (@deray): St. Louis activist and organizer
- Shaun King (@ShaunKing): Daily Kos justice columnist
- Charles M. Blow (@CharlesMBlow): New York Times op-ed columnist
- Elon James White (@elonjames): Founder and CEO of TWiB! Media
- Jenée Desmond-Harris (@jdesmondharris): Vox Race, Law, and Politics reporter
- Brittney Cooper (@ProfessorCrunk): Teacher and Salon contributor
- Joel D. Anderson (@byjoelanderson): Senior national reporter for BuzzFeed News
- Trymaine Lee (@trymainelee): Pulitzer prize winning journalist
- Antonio French (@AntonioFrench): St. Louis alderman
And remember, the best way to be a supportive ally is to listen to the conversation, not insert yourself into it.