These are times of tremendous change and stress for Americans. We are experiencing a pandemic that has crippled our economy as well as being in the midst of social unrest.
The Texas Tech University School of Law Library echos recent statements from the American Library Association:
Diversity is one of ALA’s key commitments and guiding principles. For this reason, the Executive Board calls on library and information services leaders, staff, and advocates of all races and backgrounds to abolish racism against Black people and against all People of Color and to see to it that it has no place in our institutions, our policies, our practices, or our behaviors.
There are many places to contribute, provide help to protesters, and support the Black Lives Matter movement. Here are a few blogs that point to some places where you can help both locally and nationally.
One way to help support is by donating to bail funds. Here are some sites that suggest organizations that accept donations:
•ACLU Texas – Protests and Police: Community Resources in Texas
•List of Bail Funds for Protestors across the Country
•Bail Relief Resources for Protestors
Here are some blogs with additional suggestions on how to support protesters and to help protesters to know and understand their rights.
•How to Support the Struggle Against Police Brutality
•How to Find a Pro Bono Lawyer If You’re Arrested During a Protest
•Here’s Where You Can Donate to Help Protests Against Police Brutality
•ACLU – Know Your Rights – Protester’s Rights
•Legal Observer Program on the national NLG’s website (a legal observer is someone who is observing and noting what is happening to document violence they see and if possible prevent violence by their presence)
•Law for Black Lives (provides opportunities for legal professionals to volunteer their services)
•How to Reduce Police Violence with 6 Proven Methods
Even if you are unable to donate time or money, you can still be an advocate by learning more about the Black Lives Matter movement, racism, and about the African-American experience. These lists provide a variety of ways to explore, learn, and educate yourself.
These sites offer a variety of books and multimedia to help you understand what is happening and why.
•An Essential Anti-Racist Reading List
•Black Lives Matter: Recommended Reading
•Black Lives Matter A Book List
•Listopia: Black Lives Matter Book Lists
•A Timeline of Events that Led to the 2020 “Fed Up”-rising
•Trevor Noah video about the protests
•Hasan Minhaj, host of The Patriot Act, put out this video about George Floyd
Some of the books in these lists may be available through our Law Library, the main university library, or through our InterLibrary Loan services.
If you would like assistance finding any of these titles, please contact the circulation desk at either 806-742-3957 or circulation.law@ttu.edu.
The Reporter 