Much has happened since last January, but not much has changed. As the United States recognizes Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 18, it’s important to acknowledge what this day symbolizes. This federal holiday should be used to perpetuate the message Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. fought and was killed for: a peaceful pursuit of equality, and justice for all.
We urge the music community and beyond to use this day to take action, educate, donate, volunteer, and contribute to organizations who need support. For those needing a day of solace or mental health, we’ve provided recommendations as well.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Fair Fight Action
Led by Stacey Abrams, Fair Fight raises money to protect the voting rights in Georgia and throughout the U.S. with a particular focus on voters of color. Through advocacy, education, and mobilization their impact has directly led to record-breaking voter turnout in 2020 and the 2021 Georgia runoff election.
Take Action: Support fair elections by donating here and following Fair Fight on Instagram @fairfightaction
NAACP
The NAACP is among the longest running civil rights organizations in the United States. NAACP is consistently at the forefront of advocacy, reform, protesting, petitioning and policy making all with the goal of building political power in support of Black communities.
Take Action: Visit naacp.org to see how you can get involved — Sign petitions, volunteer, become a member, sign up for newsletters and more.
National Urban League
The National Urban League is a civil rights organization founded in 1910. The organization works to establish economic empowerment, youth development, and advocate for policies to uplift historically underserved communities.
Take Action: Join the NUL digital community, attend virtual events, donate, connect with local affiliates and so much more.
ADL (Anti-Defamation League)
The Anti-Defamation League or ADL works to “fight hate for good.” Originally founded to stop the defamation of the Jewish people, ADL provides educational resources, programs, policies, and additional context to help identify and combat all forms of descrimination and hatred.
Take Action: See how you can take action by supporting youth organizations, political policies or even by reporting unacceptable bias related incidents in your community.
Until Freedom
Until Freedom is a social justice organization co-founded by Tamika D. Mallory, Mysonne Linen, Angelo Pinto, Esq. and Linda Sarsour. Well known for their continuous fight for justice for Breonna Taylor, Until Freedom unites advocates, organizers, students, lawyers and all those passionate about intersectional justice to address and demand action from policy makers and beyond.
Take Action: Donate or follow for more information and volunteer opportunities.
Color of Change
Color of Change is the largest grassroots racial justice organization in the U.S. Color of Change engages their digital community to organize and unite, strengthening the political voice of Black America in order to achieve effective change.
Take Action: Sign up now to get information on future community activations or even start your own petition. Spread awareness and utilize the Color of Change community to make the biggest impact.
The Loveland Foundation
Founded by Rachel Cargle, The Loveland Foundation provides Black women and girls with affordable access to therapy. The Loveland Foundation empowers their community by giving them the healing space they deserve.
Find Support: Their next cohort sign up will be launching at the end of this month. Stay tuned, or if you’d like to lend your support you may find more information here.
BEAM
BEAM is a Black Emotional and Mental Health collective with frequent events, tool kits, training, resources including a directory to therapists, and crisis response hotlines.
Find Support: Get in touch with a wellness professional or explore the variety of resources BEAM provides.
Therapy For Black Girls
Created by psychologist, speaker and podcast host, Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, Therapy For Black Girls is another great resource providing a directory of therapists along with community engagement opportunities, and inspiring blog posts.
Find Support: Listen to the podcast, join a collective of Black women, or find a therapist.
Black Men Heal
Black Men Heal’s goal is to remove the stigma surrounding mental health and match men with a qualified provider of color and eliminate the initial cost of therapy.
Find Support: Learn more about BMH and answer some preliminary questions to apply for a slot.
See additional Black Mental Health Resources on the NAMI website.
