Bindleblast - June 5, 2020
In Solidarity
The killing of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers has sparked collective outrage, and his name joins a long list of victims of racist policing and white supremacy: Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Philando Castile, Trayvon Martin, Oscar Grant, Emmett Till - the names trace a continuum of violence and oppression that dates back centuries. Bindlestiff Studio stands in solidarity with fellow Black artists and Black communities. We will listen, support, and amplify the Black voices within our communities. We support those working to end systems of oppression that create the conditions for these tragedies to repeat.
As Pilipinxs and Asian-Americans we may empathize with Black trauma (given our own experiences with colonization and ongoing prejudice - particularly amid coronavirus scapegoating), but we must actively challenge ourselves to examine the ways we fit within the contours of privilege and how we prop up the very racist structures we hope to dismantle. The fact that an Asian American was complicit in the murder of George Floyd, cannot be ignored. The model minority myth has been used to divide Black and Asian communities, and we must work to dispel it.
Protesting is the most visible direct action, but we are still in a pandemic. There are various forms of activism to take. We encourage everyone to be safe while participating to uplift the voices of Black communities. We've compiled a list of resources, petitions, and calls for donations.
In honor of Breonna Taylor’s 27th birthday, June 5, please consider making these 10 direct actions to bring justice for her and her family https://msha.ke/30flirtyfilm/
We join other AAPI organizations to commit to anti-racism and stand with the movement to demand that Black Lives Matter! APICC Statement of Solidarity
Aureen Almario, Artistic Director | Oliver Saria, Managing Director
Ways to Contribute
Support Victims' Families
Donate to Organizations & Resources
for Black Communities in Minneapolis
Black Visions Collective - Black, trans, and queer-led social justice organization
Reclaim the Block - grassroots organization fighting for violence prevention, housing, youth resources, and mental health response
Minnesota Freedom Fund - a local organization helping bail out protestors
Coalition of Asian American Leaders in Minnesota
Unity & Solidarity for George Floyd - Individuals and organizations can sign on
Contribute to Bay Area Resources
Black Earth Farms - delivering free food to Black people who have been arrested, bailed, injured, or traumatized during Oakland uprisings.
SoOakland - Rebuilding Oakland Black Businesses
Full list of resources click here
Thank you to Theater Mu, Crowded Fire Theater, Theater Bay Area, Cal Shakes, APICC, and Leigh Rodan-Davis for these resources.