Support St. Louis’ Black Community Through These Five Organizations
Illustration by Sacrée Frangine
This Saturday, June 19, is Juneteenth. It’s a day that represents two and a half years after the Emancipation Day of all those who were enslaved in the United States - the first time that federal troops arrived in Texas to take control of the state and make sure that all enslaved people were free. Juneteenth is a reminder to us all that no one is free, until we all are free. And to us, that’s worth celebrating.
People of color in our community experience violence at the hands of police, financial inequality, and inhumane conditions in the court systems, which are just three of a number of issues that need deep rooted change in order to see the light of justice. And, like a lot of things, this kind of change starts with funding. So, let’s celebrate by donating, shall we?
In honor of Juneteenth, we encourage you to donate and give back to your community in St. Louis. There are incredible organizations in our city that help further the causes of social justice, and with financial support , they can keep working. Here’s a rundown of just some of the organizations in St. Louis to support this month, and beyond. You may consider setting up a recurring donation for more impact all year round.
“ArchCity Defenders (ACD) is a holistic legal advocacy organization that combats the criminalization of poverty and state violence, especially in communities of color. ACD’s foundation of civil and criminal legal representation, social services, impact litigation, policy and media advocacy, and community collaboration achieves and inspires justice and equitable outcomes for people throughout the St. Louis region and beyond.”
“The Close the Workhouse campaign aims to attack mass incarceration, without legitimizing or justifying the continued caging of people as punishment. We call for the closure of the Medium Security Institute, better known in St. Louis as the Workhouse, an end to wealth based pretrial detention, and the reinvestment of the money used to cage poor people and Black people into rebuilding the most impacted neighborhoods in this region.”
“Action St. Louis is a grassroots racial justice organization that seeks to build political power for Black communities in the St. Louis region. Action St. Louis builds campaigns that leverages organizing, communications, advocacy and direct action to mitigate harm against our community while fighting for long term transformation.”
“Forward Through Ferguson (FTF) was established as a 501(c)3 to be a catalyst for lasting positive change in the St. Louis region as outlined in the Ferguson Commission Report. Embracing the Commission’s mandate, FTF centers around impacted communities and mobilizes accountable bodies to advance racially equitable systems and policies that ensure all people in the St.Louis region can thrive.”
“The ACLU of Missouri defends civil liberties and the principles of equality and justice in Missouri through its litigation, legislative and public education programs. The ACLU was founded in 1920 as the first public interest law firm of its kind, and is recognized as the country's foremost advocate of individual rights. We base our work largely on the U.S. Constitution, which, along with state and federal laws, protects certain fundamental rights of individuals against the power of the government and will of the majority.”
No one is truly free until we are all free. Support these organizations not just in June, but all year, every year. Consider setting up a monthly reoccurring donations for greater lasting impact. You can start with these organizations, and also bring your awareness to intentionally supporting Black Owned Businesses. For more information and links to more local and national nonprofits to support, follow this link.
