Resources from Obama.org

Written on

June 29, 2020

in

Accomplice Resources, Actions, Articles, Follow & Support, Trainings & Guides, TV, Film & Video

Via Obama.org:

ANGUISH AND ACTION

We work to help leaders change their world—and the world needs changing. The killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and the loss of far too many Black lives to list, have left our nation anguished and outraged. While now is a time for grief and anger, it is also a time for resolve. Find resources below to learn what you can do to create a more just and equitable world.

Over 1,000 people are killed by police every year in America, and Black people are three times more likely to be killed than White people. We can take steps and make reforms to combat police violence and systemic racism within law enforcement.

President Obama pushed many of these reforms during his time in office, and started the My Brother’s Keeper initiative in the wake of Trayvon Martin’s death to break down barriers and expand opportunity for boys and young men of color. But far more progress remains to be made. We’re inspired by those protesting for accountability and change, even in the face of a pandemic. If you’re looking for additional ways to advocate for change, below you’ll find resources to learn about police violence and antiracism, as well as actions you can take to encourage reform, from organizations who have been working on these issues at the local and national level for years. And be sure to read the statements from President Obama and Mrs. Obama on the killing of George Floyd, and learn more about the work of the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance.

GET INFORMED

LEARN ABOUT POLICE VIOLENCE AND ANTIRACISM IN AMERICA.

If you’re looking for additional ways to drive change, below you’ll find resources to learn about police violence and antiracism, as well as actions you can take to encourage reform. Ending systemic racism in policing will require broad participation, so we are spotlighting a number of organizations calling for a range of reforms, all of which have been working on these complex issues at the local and national level for years.

Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights—New Era of Public Safety: A Guide to Fair, Safe, and Effective Community Policing

The recommended reforms in this report, which are intended to create accountability and build better relationships between law enforcement and communities of color, stem from President Obama’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing. You can read the Task Force’s 2015 report here.

Equal Justice Initiative—Tragic Death of George Floyd Reveals Continuing Problem of Police Violence

A reflection on the current state of police reform with recommendations for progress.

Center for Policing Equity—The Science of Justice: Race, Justice, and Police Use of Force

This detailed report delves into police administrative data to show disparities in the use of force. You can watch the director of the Center, Phillip Atiba Goff, deliver a TED talk on fighting racism and improving policing here.

The Opportunity Agenda—Promoting Accountability

Learn how police accountability works, and the four mechanisms—community-based, political, civil, and criminal—for holding law enforcement accountable.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture—Talking About Race

An online portal to help families, individuals, and communities talk about racism and commit to being antiracist.