With images of protests across the US dominating headlines around the world, the Sunrise Project stands in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement in the US and elsewhere. Words and statements are important but are not enough. These are some of the actions Indigenous leaders and organisations have asked allies and supporters to undertake.
IMMEDIATE ACTION YOU CAN TAKE:
- Promote and attend rallies this weekend led by Aboriginal leaders to Stop Black Deaths in Custody (volunteer as a marshal or provide other assistance required for the event)
- Donate to the campaigns from families still seeking justice for loved ones who died in police custody
HOW TO SUPPORT LONGER TERM SYSTEM CHANGE
- Donate to organisation working on racial justice and/or climate justice
- Seed Indigenous Youth Climate Network
- Original Power
- Warriors of Aboriginal Resistance – have asked people to donate to the families above first then:
- Brisbane Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance
- BSB: 633 000, Account: 154 594 758
- Melbourne: WAR/RISE ANZ
- BSB: 013128, Account: 220584933
- Brisbane Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance
- Democracy in Colour
- Indigenous Social Justice Alliance
- Pay the rent (Victoria only)
- Sisters Inside
- Change the record
- Deadly connections
- Aboriginal Legal Services
- Firesticks alliance
- Deadly Science
- Purple House
- Wangan and Jagalingou Traditional Owners
- Commit to using Aboriginal owned businesses as suppliers and contractors – see Supply Nation for a database (categories include Construction, Food and hospitality, Office supplies and printing, Facilities management, Education and training, Graphic design, Retail and domestic goods and services, Consulting)
DO YOUR OWN WORK
- Book an anti-racism training for your organisation with Democracy in Colour: You can sign up here
- Sign up to the Democracy in Colour workplace placement program contact them here.
- Learn about the Aboriginal history of resistance in Australia: Download the timeline from Original Power here
- Download the Cop Watch app to film and save altercations with police
- Encourage your staff members to educate themselves on structural racism. Some suggested readings:
- Book: Dark Emu by Bruce Pascoe
- Article: Australia had its own George Floyd moment, only it passed without international outrage
- Spotify playlist: Blak Australia & It’s a Blakout
- Book: Decolonising Solidarity
- Podcast: Blood on the Tracks
- Book: Growing up Aboriginal in Australia by Anita Heiss
- Book: Why I’m no longer talking to white people about race by Reni Eddo-Lodge (also in audiobook)
- Book: Don’t Take Your Love to Town by Ruby Langford Ginibi
- Book: Talking to My Country by Stan Grant
- Book & Workbook: Me and White Supremacy by Layla Saad
- Book: White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo
- Book: White Tears/Brown Scars by Ruby Hamad
Our friends at Australian Youth Climate Coalition have also compiled an excellent list of further work you and your organisation can undertake.