How to Support Black Lives Matter Now & Beyond
If you’re like us, you have been glued to social media, observing the fallout from the deaths of people like George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery. We strive to create a safe space for everyone within our walls, but we want to do more than that — we ask that you help us support the Black community not just right now, but throughout this period of change and beyond.
In the short-term: Please consider making donations to organizations that help protesters and work with local government entities to enact change.
In the long-term: By supporting Black businesses, you put your money where your mouth is, supporting the community in providing jobs, economic security and places for people of color to be seen and safe.
1. Donate to Organizations Against Police Brutality
Equal Justice Initiative: Organization that provides legal representation to people who have been illegally convicted, unfairly sentenced, or abused in state jails and prisons.
Mission: “The Equal Justice Initiative is committed to ending mass incarceration and excessive punishment in the United States, to challenging racial and economic injustice, and to protecting basic human rights for the most vulnerable people in American society.”
Campaign Zero: Organization that utilizes research-based policy solutions to end police brutality in the U.S.
Mission: “Over 1,000 people are killed by police every year in America. We are calling on local, state, and federal lawmakers to take immediate action to adopt data-driven policy solutions to end this violence and hold police accountable.”
Colorado Freedom Fund: Provide bail relief to protesters and other individuals across the state of Colorado. CFF has also been providing protest updates on its webpage.
Mission: “Founded in 2018, Colorado Freedom Fund (CFF) is a revolving fund that pays ransom (posts money bond, pays cash bail) for people unable to afford the cost of buying their own freedom.”Unicorn Riot: Nonprofit media collective dedicated to exposing the root causes of social, economic, and environmental issues.
Mission: “Our work is dedicated to exposing root causes of dynamic social and environmental issues through amplifying stories and exploring sustainable alternatives in today’s globalized world.”
Source & descriptions: Rolling Stone
2. Support Black-Owned Businesses in Boulder and Denver
Food
Welton Street Cafe | Soul Food | Denver
Whittier Cafe | Coffee | Denver
bar helix | Cocktails | Denver
Smith + Canon | Ice Cream | Denver
Le French | Bakery & Cafe | Denver
Novel Strand | Brewery | Denver
African Grill & Bar | African Cuisine | Denver
Nola Tavern | Cajun Food | Denver
Clothing & Goods
Nana African Market | Goods & Gifts | Denver
Be Africa | Home Goods | Denver
Yellow Door Collective | Masks | Denver
Jasmine Lewis | Women’s Clothing & Masks | Denver
The Mix Boutique | Women’s Boutique | Denver
Asel Classics | Women’s Wear | Denver
Be a Good Person. | Streetwear | Denver
Tween | Tween Boutique | Denver
Lilipurl | Jewelry | Denver
Yarn Shoppe Denver | Local Handspun Yarn | Denver
Shop at Matter | Stationery & Art Supplies | Denver
The Black Pineapple | Candles | Denver
Natural Urbanity | Skincare Products | Denver
Personal & Professional Services
Streetside Studios | Dance Studio | Boulder
Brooklyn Barber Academy | Barbershop & Academy | Boulder
Pa Productions | Corporate Video | Denver
Let Me Show You Different | Commercial Stylist | Denver
Curious Sunshine | Wellness Workshops | Denver
Black Esthetics & Artistry | Makeup Artist | Denver
McCord Consulting | Organizational Consulting | Boulder
InMotion Running | Running Shoes & Physical Therapy | Boulder
Rock Creek Veterinary Hospital | Veterinary Services | Broomfield & Niwot
This isn’t a comprehensive list. For a full local directory, check out Denver Black Pages and Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce. For a nationwide list, Backing Black Business.
3. Educate Yourself
Talk About Trayvon | Toolkit for White People
Healing in Action | A Toolkit for Healing Justice
Understanding Conflict | Tools for Addressing Conflict
For a full list, check out this list of resources.
4. Donate Credit Card Rewards to Charitable Causes
Strapped for cash, but still want to make a difference? You can donate your credit card rewards to various causes that support Black communities. Read more here.
Have an additional resource we can share or want us to list a Black owned business?
Let us know, and we’ll add it to our list!