The death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer was the same song, different tune. What may have appeared to be the routine case of police brutality ended up being the spark that has galvanized people of various ages, races and socioeconomic backgrounds. Their demands for more accountability and justice are not easily ignored.
Why this instance was different from hundreds of others could hinge on several factors. One is that most people were still social distancing when the cell phone video of Floyd’s murder was shared. His last breaths were observed by a captive audience who could not deny the injustice being displayed on their screens.
As peaceful protests and rallies continue to garner traction, change is definitely in the air. Perhaps some new initiatives will be birthed out of the current movement. In the meanwhile, we encourage sojourners to check out some of the national nonprofit organizations that were already on the frontline for equality and justice. If there is no chapter in your location, maybe you could take charge and charter a group.
Some dispute the relevancy of groups dedicated serving certain ethnic groups in this “post-racial society,” but the now silenced voices of George Floyd and countless others are proof that there is still work to do.
Here is a sampling of national nonprofits committed to civil rights along with their mission statements as displayed on their websites.
1. NAACP
The mission of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is to secure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons.
2. National Urban League
www.nul.org
The National Urban League works to provide economic empowerment, educational opportunities and the guarantee of civil rights for the underserved in America.
3. National Action Network
National Action Network is one of the leading civil rights organizations in the Nation with chapters throughout the entire United States. NAN promotes a modern civil rights agenda that includes the fight for one standard of justice, decency and equal opportunities for all people regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, citizenship, criminal record, economic status, gender, gender expression, or sexuality.
4. 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.
5. National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs
The National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs are women of color dedicated to uplifting women, children, families, the home and the community through service, community education, scholarship assistance and the promotion of racial harmony among all people, so that those we serve are better able to take their proper and rightful place in society as citizens, community leaders, parents and family members.
6. American Civil Liberties Union
The ACLU dares to create a more perfect union — beyond one person, party, or side. Our mission is to realize this promise of the United States Constitution for all and expand the reach of its guarantees.
7. Southern Poverty Law Center
The Southern Poverty Law Center is dedicated to fighting hate and bigotry and to seeking justice for the most vulnerable members of our society. Using litigation, education, and other forms of advocacy, the SPLC works toward the day when the ideals of equal justice and equal opportunity will be a reality.
8. Southern Christian Leadership Conference
SCLC’s focus is to educate youth and adults in the areas of personal responsibility, leadership potential, and community service; to ensure economic justice and civil rights and to eradicate racism wherever it exists.
9. Color of Change
Color of Change leads campaigns that build real power for Black communities. We challenge injustice, hold corporate and political leaders accountable, commission game-changing research on systems of inequality, and advance solutions for racial justice that can transform our world.
10. Rainbow Push Coalition
The Rainbow PUSH Coalition (RPC) is a multi-racial, multi-issue, progressive, international membership organization fighting for social change.
[The] mission is to protect, defend, and gain civil rights by leveling the economic and educational playing fields, and to promote peace and justice around the world.
–Sojourner Justice
