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Raise your hand if you were surprised by the Kyle Rittenhouse verdict? Unfortunately, I wasn't surprised at all. We've seen this happen too many times and guess what, it continues to expose the inequities that exist in our justice system, unfair practices that allow non people of color to prevail victoriously, the devaluing of human life and lastly the importance for real allyship in every industry and institution especially our justice system.
We have so much to do people. If you know me, then you know I always try to look for the positive in all things. Here is the positive outlook that I decided to blog about today. We have a long way to go before the justice system starts to treat heinous crimes committed by everyone equally. But in the interim, what I can do is share organizations committed to eliminating racial disparities and injustices against Black and Latinx people every day. Decades ago, the NAACP was one of the only organizations we would hear about that truly fought for the rights of Black people wrongfully accused of crimes. Today, there are dozens around the world. I encourage you to not only visit the website of each organization below to learn more but donate to support their tireless efforts. Here are FIVE I recommend:
Equal Justice Initiative - "The Equal Justice Initiative is committed to ending mass incarceration and excessive punishment in the United States, to challenging racial and economic injustice, and to protecting basic human rights for the most vulnerable people in American society."
Dream Corps Justice - "Dream Corps closes prison doors and opens doors of opportunity. We bring people together across racial, social, and partisan lines to create a future with freedom and dignity for all."
Reform Alliance - "REFORM Alliance aims to transform probation and parole by changing laws, systems and culture to create real pathways to work and wellbeing."
NAACP Legal Defense Fund - "America's premier legal organization fighting for racial justice."
Color of Change - "Using design strategies that are powerful enough to fight racism and injustice—in politics and culture, in the work place and the economy, in criminal justice and community life, and wherever they exist
I leave each of you with this last thought. WE have the power to make a difference! In the book Caste by Isabel Wilkerson, she says America is an "old house" with a caste system "that is as central to its operation as are the studs and joists that we cannot see in the physical buildings we call home." Just like when you purchase a home, you inherit the problems of that home. WE are all responsible for fixing the issues in this home we call America and finally dismantle systemic racism, discrimination and inequity in every system.
Thank you,
Modupé
Photo by Nicole Baster @nicolebaster