Over the past few days, Chicagoans have joined cities across the nation (and the world) in protesting the death of George Floyd at the hands of the Minneapolis Police Department. Sadly, this isn't the first time that our city's residents have taken to the streets to protest police violence and racism. Time Out believes that equality and justice should be keystones of life and progress in our cities—peaceful demonstrations in times of turmoil are a vital part of keeping our city moving forward into a brighter future.
We've gathered a list of some of the most prominent groups leading demonstrations throughout Chicago, as well as organizations that are providing vital support to protesters, such as supplies and legal services. Read on to learn how to provide financial support, get to know these organizations or—better yet—get involved with their work.
Black Lives Matter Chicago
The name of this activist organization has become a rallying cry at protests throughout the world, speaking out against racism, discrimination and police violence. Individuals involved with the Chicago Black Live Matter chapter have organized protests throughout the city and have been instrumental in calling for the release of activists who have been arrested during demonstrations.
Make a donation to Black Lives Matter Chicago or get involved by following @BLMChi.
Chicago Alliance Against Racist & Political Repression
Founded in Chicago in 1973 (and re-founded with a march in Chicago last November), the local chapter of the National Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression fights against discrimination on the basis of race and religion. The organization supports civilian oversight of police, the release of political prisoners and the abolishment of torture, the death penalty and life sentences. Recently, the alliance called for a national day of protest on May 30 in response to the killing of George Floyd by the Minnesota Police Department and created a toolkit for protesting at home.
Make a donation to the Chicago Alliance Against Racist & Political Repression or get involved by following @CAARPRNow.
BYP100
A Chicago-based organization of African American youth between the ages of 18 and 35, Black Youth Project 100 has fought for an appointed Chicago Police Board, lead protests against the killing of Laquan McDonald by Chicago police officer Jason Van Dyke and argued for a fair Community Benefits Agreement for those affected by the construction of the Obama Presidential Center. Members of BYP100 have been involved in demonstrations across the nation in response to the killing of George Floyd by the Minnesota Police Department.
Make a donation to BYP100 or get involved by following @BYP100.
Chicago Community Bond Fund
As demonstrations continue throughout the city, many protestors are being arrested and held in jail before their trial. The Chicago Community Bond Fund seeks to provide bail money to free protestors from pre-trial imprisonment in jails, which have only become more dangerous due to the spread of COVID-19—a New York Times report called the Cook County Jail a "hot spot" for the virus.
Make a donation to the Chicago Community Bond Fund.
SOUL (Southsiders Organized for Liberty and Unification)
A coalition of Chicagoans that seeks to empower and support low-income residents on the city's South Side, SOUL helped secure funding for the Ellis Arts and Recreation Center in Bronzeville. Now, the group is helping argue for the release of arrested protesters, putting protesters in touch with legal services and helping spread the word about demonstrations.
Make a donation to SOUL or get involved by following @SOULinChicago.
Brave Space Alliance
This Hyde Park black- and trans-led LGBTQ center has become a refuge for protesters on the South Side, offering food, water and other supplies to anyone who needs them. Brave Space Alliance is also offering COVID-19 resources for transgender, nonbinary and intersex individuals, running a food pantry and offering online services.
Make a donation to Brave Space Alliance.
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