BeatStars stands together with the Black community at large in the face of racial injustice. In the name of George Floyd. In the name of Breonna Taylor. In the name of Ahmaud Arbery. Lives pointlessly lost and taken forever. In the name of the countless human beings throughout history who have fallen victim to police brutality, senseless violence, discrimination, and repression. We have to use our voices to speak out. Establishing a platform like BeatStars, where Black creators can thrive as entrepreneurs, IS NOT ENOUGH FOR US. We ask our international community to join us in solidarity in the fight against racial injustice, to join us in learning, listening, and participating in making a stand.
The latest crimes committed against African-Americans are a harsh reminder of racial oppression throughout the ages. America's latest leaders and political party seem to act daily in acts of anti-immigrant rhetoric, bolstering a white supremacist agenda, and actively standing out against peaceful protestors with aggressive tactics and violence. These recent brazen examples of hate and bias are visible to the naked eye, and we must wholeheartedly denounce them. We must also take a deeper look at the systemic racism bubbling underneath the surface. In our workplaces, our schools, our police departments, our voting booths, and elsewhere- when white people hold most of the control across life's venues, people of color have difficulty getting fair treatment and getting ahead. We need to dismantle these archaic systems and build a redemptive future.
With protests happening in 50 states and worldwide, people are demanding their voices heard in the fight against racial injustice. We stand with those on the front lines making their voices heard. Whether you are made for the frontline or not, there are avenues of support that are equally critical and valuable. Here are some ways you can help protesters right now:
- Donate to a BAIL FUND in your town, city, state or around the country
- Donate MEDICAL SUPPLIES to volunteer medics working at protests
- FEED PEOPLE - buy or make food, buy water, and donate it to those affected by or a part of the protests
- VOLUNTEER to supply food and water at non-hot zone areas
- Continue to EDUCATE the people around you.
- CONFRONT RACISM wherever you see it, on the internet, in person, and with family/friends
- SHARE LINKS to all resources for protestors you can find - information for those arrested, bail funds, updates for those in your area, safety precautions, etc
- DONATE directly to organizations and frontline people and protestors
- WRITE articles and blog posts in support of the ongoing protests
- ORGANIZE in your workplaces and your communities for fair and equitable practices
BeatStars has donated 30k to three different charities below. We encourage you to support these causes, and the many other causes currently fighting to bring an end to racial injustice.
- Black Live Matters: Black Lives Matter Foundation, Inc is a global organization in the US, UK, and Canada, whose mission is to eradicate white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes.
- Color Of Change: Color Of Change is the nation's largest online racial justice organization, that helps people respond effectively to injustice in the world around us. Driven by 1.7 million members, they move decision-makers in corporations and government to create a more human and less hostile world for Black people in America.
- NAACP LDF: The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. is America's premier legal organization fighting for racial justice. Through litigation, advocacy, and public education, LDF seeks structural changes to expand democracy, eliminate disparities, and achieve racial justice in a society that fulfills the promise of equality for all Americans.
You can also search and add any of these three charities as a collaborator on your track and have a percentage of your sales be directly donated to these charities, as an extension of our Beats4Love campaign.
This is not an easy time, but fighting for the things you love and cherish has never been easy. I have so much faith in what we all can accomplish together as a community if we stand united against violations of fundamental human rights.
Beyond protesting and direct assistance to protesting, we must continue to stay involved. We must educate ourselves and those around us in service of our collective understanding and growth. Get involved at a grassroots level, engage with your local governments, and use your voices and votes to affect change. Use your platform as producers, artists, performers, and creators to speak out against injustices and motivate others to join you. Communicate with your peers nationally and internationally to keep yourself informed and offer yourself as an ally. Whatever we do, we must take concrete action towards a better tomorrow.
Do not be silent. Make yourself heard. Join us as we continue to use our platform to raise your voices and to raise our fellow human beings. Together, we sound off to demand a racially just future.