Actions in Defense of Black Life — A Photo Essay on June 1, 2020

6/1/2020

By Micki Luckey

“We at the Movement For Black Lives believe that it is our mandate, in a moment where the police and vigilantes have increased their terror, that we make a clear and proud commitment to be in Defense of Black Lives.” M4BL

Banner at the June 1 March in Oakland CA naming Black people lost to police violence, with “No Conviction” printed at each name. Photo by Micki Luckey

Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) has joined the call from the Movement For Black Lives for a National Week of Action in Defense of Black Life in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, and so many Black people lost to ongoing police violence.

Across the country Black people are rising up in rage and resistance as the brutality of the Minneapolis police exemplified their systematic abuse and oppression in a modern-day lynching. While the media focuses on looting and burning, the protestors see the sanctioned state violence allowed by white supremacy through centuries of repression and injustice that continues to make living with Black skin a liability in this country.

“White Silence = Violence” is only a slogan unless we, white people, take action to support the protests. Here in Oakland, CA, SURJ members have joined car caravans, human billboards, and street protests. See photos below.

For those who don’t feel safe joining a protest in view of the militarized police present and/or the Covid-19 pandemic, there is much we can do from home. We can contribute immediately to support those arrested by contributing to bail funds via a national, local or other city’s organization. We can continue to campaign to defund the police in our towns and to support Black-led organizations by social media, phone calls and petitions. For more go to:
5 Ways White People Can Take Action in Response to White and State-Sanctioned Violence
What You Can Do to Support the Protests Right Now: A Guide
WEEK OF ACTION — M4BL
George Floyd’s Murder: Hitting the Streets of Oakland and Wanting a World Worth Fighting For

Car caravan through Oakland streets. Photo by Shirley Yee used with permission.

Caravan staging area in Oakland. Photo by Julia Caplan used with permission.

Part of a SURJ-organized human billboard on Grand Ave., Oakland. Photo by Liz Jacobs used with permission.

Protestors gather at Oakland Tech High School in response to the call by Black youth. Photo used with permission from Ryan Sin. (More of the June 1 march photos by Ryan Sin follow.)