So you want to help Charlotte’s Black community? Donate to these local organizations.
The events happening across the nation in response to the recent deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and others at the hands of police officers have inspired people everywhere to join the fight against police brutality, systematic racism and inequality.
For this reason, many are wondering how they can participate in the movement whether it’s by supporting a Black-owned business, joining the front lines of local protests, or donating to a group centered on the cause.
The following are local resources committed to the fight against injustice and are dedicated to uplifting the Black community in all ways. Visit their websites for additional information on how you can get involved, donate and support.
Black Business Owners of Charlotte
Founded in 2014, Black Business Owners of Charlotte has a goal to “empower current and future business owners with resources needed to sustain a lucrative business, while inspiring them to reach back and uplift their surrounding communities.” Its goal is to “inspire, enrich and engage Black Business Owners through business development and community enhancement.”
How to support: Get a BBOC membership or you can volunteer your time.
Block Love CLT
As a group of individuals from all races, backgrounds and beliefs, its mission is to “provide restoration, resources, education and essential tools to the individuals that occur hardship in our community.” Its vision is to “empower, show love and teach them to become self-sufficient while advocating for their needs and human rights.”
How to support: Donate money or pantry items — the team is asking for water, drinks, snack crackers, cookies, fresh fruit, pop top canned foods such as sardines, vienna sausages, tuna, and soups. Email team@blockloveclt.org to coordinate donation pickup.
Greater Charlotte RISE
Greater Charlotte RISE is a North Carolina nonprofit corporation dedicated to providing aid and advocacy for Charlotte residents. It provides immediate aid in the form of education, financial support and civic action. It offers opportunities to volunteer, to learn and to donate. While the movement was initiated by women of color, the movement is “inclusive with the request that anyone interested in being part of the solution join us in the work.”
How to support: Donate via the website or volunteer.
HOPE for Parents (Helping Outcomes for Parents of Exceptional children)
HOPE is a nonprofit organization that “promotes healthy relationships for parents of children with disabilities by providing opportunities to engage in activities with their community. [HOPE provides] parents with the opportunity to embrace and renew their partnership to be strong for their children and maintain the family unit.”
How to support: Donate via the website.
The Hue House
The Hue House supports “cultural and arts communities by providing resources and funding opportunities for those who create and preserve it.” It’s team consists of members with “creative and consulting experience within the entertainment, non-profit, community, and education industries.” Not only does it serve as a creative agency owned by people of color but “as community advocates working to ensure the color in Charlotte’s art culture is equitably represented and supported.”
How to support: Join the movement via the website.
It Ends Now Charlotte
It Ends Now is “a praise and protest movement to end complacency and bring forth a new season of racial justice and equality through the release of lament, the practice of repentance, and the promise of hope.” As a new group, leaders are working to establish opportunities for support and involvement, including upcoming events.
How to support: The organization is working on ways to accept donations; in the meantime, follow the group on Instagram and Facebook.
Sanctuary in the City
Sanctuary in the City is a “black-led, woman led organization founded with the awareness of the need for accessible, safe, and affirming healing spaces for Black indigenous people of color. Growing and healing from race-based trauma and stress through focus on the whole self, for all BIPOC, is the primary purpose of this organization. Through community programming, grant funding and scholarships, The Sanctuary in The City focuses on equitable access to educational opportunities, access to wellness modalities, fair pay Black and Indigenous wellness practitioners and educators and community healing events.”
How to support: Donate via Sanctuary in the City’s website.
Charlotte attorneys representing protesters
There are also Charlotte resources dedicated to supporting those on the front lines of the movement who may be facing legal challenges as a result of their participation in the protests.
Here are a few local attorneys who have indicated an interest in representing protesters free of charge:
Attorney George Gibbs – Gibbs Law
(980) 228-6387
Attorney Andrew Gordon - The Law Offices of Andrew L. Gordon, PLLC
(704) 951-7657
(704) 312-2239
(704) 993-6825
The group, a “coalition of community members, local and state organizers committed to ensuring the safety of their communities, and advocating for police accountability, transparency and social and economic equality” is offering to help find resources for anyone arrested during one of the protests.
Editors note: This article was originally published June 4, 2020.
This story was originally published June 4, 2020 at 5:14 PM.
