Social Justice Resources & Ways to Help
Compiled by the staff of Impact 89FM
June 2, 2021
Michigan State University welcomes students and faculty from all 50 states and over 130 countries, and these statistics are frequently used as representative of our campus’ diversity. Nevertheless, MSU is a predominantly white institution, which is an issue that must be recognized alongside today’s systemic racism and a global pandemic that disproportionately affects communities of color.
Impact 89FM exists to provide a community-oriented, inclusive and progressive media outlet for the people of Michigan State and beyond. By supporting our staff through creative and professional opportunities, we hope to engage our students and community by providing diverse and innovative multimedia content. Our station offers a space for all students of all walks of life to flourish in a creative, engaging, professional and inclusive atmosphere.
Impact 89FM stands in solidarity with those across the country who are protesting social and racial inequalities. It is unacceptable to ignore the injustices that have been inflicted upon marginalized communities, in particular Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) throughout our history and to the present moment. Additionally, we as a campus organization must assume responsibility not only in holding ourselves and our university accountable, but in ensuring that all communities have a space where their voices are heard and respected. We must empower our staff and fellow Spartans in all ways possible.
Michigan State University occupies the ancestral, traditional and contemporary lands of the Anishinaabeg – Three Fires Confederacy of Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi peoples. In particular, the university resides on land ceded in the 1819 Treaty of Saginaw.
We recognize Michigan’s 12 federally recognized Native Nations, historic Indigenous communities in Michigan, Indigenous individuals and communities who live here now, and those who were forcibly removed from their homelands.
In offering this land acknowledgment, we affirm Indigenous sovereignty, history and experiences.
Below we have attached a list of events, funds, organizations and literature that we believe are relevant to our current cultural climate and our goals as a station. We have included resources that are specific to BIPOC issues, as well as issues of LGBTQ+ and gender identity, to reflect our values and aspirations going forward. This is an ongoing project; we hope to revisit this list in conjunction with the goals of our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee.
In our efforts to create an ongoing dialogue, we welcome feedback from everyone. For questions, comments, concerns or suggestions, email [email protected].
Time-sensitive Resources (Ongoing)
Keep Lansing’s LGBTQIA+ Community Center Open!
Local Resources (Michigan State University)
Comprehensive list of on-campus organizations – Found through the Office of Cultural & Academic Transitions.
Black Student Alliance – “The Black Student Alliance aims to ensure the promotion of radical Black love, through collective advocacy, continual support, and results-driven action to redefine the Black experience at Michigan State University.”
Black Graduate Student Association – “The mission of the Black Graduate Student Association is to assist in producing conscious and competent African American professionals who want to utilize their education in ways that will have a positive impact on the African American community as well as society as a whole.”
MSU National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE) – The MSU NOBCChE (pronounced No-be-shay) chapter was established for the primary purpose of building an eminent community of scientists and engineers by significantly increasing the number of African-Americans in the fields of chemistry, chemical engineering, and related technological fields.
MSU Asian Pacific American Student Organization (APASO) – “The APASO is devoted to deliver awareness about Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) history and contemporary issues in social, cultural, academic and political areas. We are also dedicated to serve as a resourceful network to the AAPI community at MSU and to stand in solidarity against discrimination and systemic injustice.”
Asian Pacific American Graduate Alliance (APAGA) – “The purpose of the APAGA is to provide representation and advocacy to the APIDA (Asian, Pacific Islander, Desi American) graduate student population at Michigan State University.”
North American Indigenous Student Organization (NAISO) MSU – “NAISO strives to promote education and motivate the Native Student Community at Michigan State University.”
MSU Culturas de las Razas Unidas (CRU) – “C.R.U is an organization that houses and supports many of the Chicano/Latino organizations on campus for political, social, cultural, and academic issues that addresses the Chicano/Latino student community at Michigan State University.”
MSU WorkLife Office LGBTQ Resources
The LBGT Resource Center – “The LBGTRC is a student-centered campus resource that works to celebrate, affirm, and empower LGBTQ+ members of the Michigan State University community.”
The Alliance of Queer & Ally Students – “The purpose of the Alliance shall be to advocate for and assist in the maintenance of the equality of all groups of Students at Michigan State University that are discriminated against on the basis of gender identity and/or sexual orientation.”
Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities – “…Team RCPD works diligently to engage MSU traditions of quality, inclusiveness and connectivity for the benefit of all.”
Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives – The Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives leads and supports efforts to advance a diverse and inclusive campus community, consistent with MSU’s core values.
Lansing, East Lansing and Detroit
A list of Black-owned businesses in Lansing
Buy Black Lansing – Your guide to Black and minority-owned businesses in Lansing and mid-Michigan.
African American Heritage Trail – A description of the heritage of African Americans in the Greater Lansing area, including sites of interest.
Paving The Way Project – The research project and storytelling will detail the impact I-496 had on the desegregation of Lansing and the success the Westside neighborhood had fighting redlining and promoting open housing at a time when homes in nearby cities and suburbs were closed to minorities.
Nokomis Cultural Heritage Center – “The Nokomis Cultural Heritage Center is dedicated to the preservation of History, Arts, Culture and Language of the Anishinaabe people – Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi nations. The Center fulfills this mission through programs, exibitions and special events.”
Lansing Native American Outreach Program – “The NAOP conducts presentations, trainings, and dialogues within the community regarding effective collaboration and cultural competency of the Urban American Indian/Alaska Native and First Nations population.”
Salus Center – “We envision a Lansing LGBTQIA+ community that thrives without barriers.”
Detroit Justice Center – “The Detroit Justice Center (DJC) is a non-profit law firm working alongside communities to create economic opportunities, transform the justice system, and promote equitable and just cities.”
Statewide
Michigan Abolition and Prisoner Solidarity – “Michigan Abolition and Prisoner Solidarity (MAPS) is a group of abolitionists organizing in solidarity with the imprisoned against the violence of incarceration.”
Michigan Collaborative to End Mass Incarceration – “The Michigan Collaborative to End Mass Incarceration is dedicated to leveraging individual and organizational power to reduce our prison and jail populations in this state.”
Taking Action on Flint Water – Resources and up-to-date information regarding the Flint water crisis.
ACLU Michigan – “The ACLU of Michigan’s mission remains to realize the promise of the Bill of Rights for all and expanding the reach of its guarantees to new areas through all the tools at our disposal: public education, advocacy, organizing, and litigation.”
Grit, Glam, & Guts – “Grit, Glam, & Guts programming is designed to engage underserved girls, pre-teen and teen, in local youth social development programs, civic engagement activities, and educational opportunities to promote social change, eliminate barriers to success, maximize potential, empower girls to gain higher self-awareness, develop a healthy self-identity, and also recognize and engage in the power of their voice.”
Nationwide
The BREATHE Act – The BREATHE Act offers a radical reimagining of public safety, community care, and how we spend money as a society.
Black Lives Matter – National Organization
Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAAJ) Bystander Intervention Trainings – “…Advancing Justice | Chicago is partnering with New York-based nonprofit Hollaback! and CAIR-Chicago to plan and implement an aggressive scaling up of locally-led bystander hate incident intervention trainings for community members.”
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) – “The ACLU dares to create a more perfect union — beyond one person, party, or side. Our mission is to realize this promise of the United States Constitution for all and expand the reach of its guarantees.”
Communities United Against Police Brutality (CUAPB) – “CUAPB was created to deal with police brutality in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area on an ongoing basis. We work on the day-to-day abuses as well as taking on the more extreme cases. We work to combat police brutality from many angles, including political and legislative action, education, research, and providing services and support for victims and their families.”
Black Women’s Health Imperative (BWHI) – “We target the most pressing health issues that affect Black women and girls in the U.S. through investments in evidence-based strategies, bold programs and advocacy outreach on health policies.”
The Okra Project – “The Okra Project is a collective that seeks to address the global crisis faced by Black Trans people by bringing home-cooked, healthy, and culturally specific meals and resources to Black Trans People wherever we can reach them.”
Funds
Michigan Solidarity Bail Fund – “Our aim is to assist people statewide, with a focus on areas with unmet needs—recognizing, for instance, that the Detroit Justice Center’s Bail Project is attending to cases in Detroit, and that others may continue to set up fundraisers for specific situations.”
The Bail Project (Detroit) – “The Bail Project (TBP) is a national nonprofit organization that pays bail for people in need, reuniting families and restoring the presumption of innocence.”
Heart of Dinner: Feeding the AAPI Elderly – “Heart of Dinner exists to combat food insecurity and isolation within NYC’s elderly Asian American community. We do this by delivering care packages of hot lunches and fresh produce every Wednesday, lovingly paired with a handwritten and illustrated letter in Chinese or Korean.”
NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. – “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.”
Hate Is A Virus – “Our mission is to combat xenophobia and racism through awareness and education initiatives and philanthropy.”
Stop Asian Hate: Together, We Can Make a Difference – “A horrific and heartbreaking surge in violence against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) is happening across the US. Together, it is our responsibility to condemn hate and create lasting social change.”
Justice for Breonna Taylor (GoFundMe)
Send Chinatown Love NYC – “Businesses in Chinatown were hit first by the pandemic, suffering revenue losses of 60-80%* as early as February 2020 as anti-Asian sentiment swelled. Today, merchants are still struggling to stay afloat due to steep decreases in foot traffic and mounting expenses.”
The Nina Pop Mental Health Recovery Fund – “The Nina Pop Mental Health Recovery Fund is an emergency mutual aid fund that raises money to pay for one-time mental health therapy sessions with licensed Black women therapists.”
LGBTQ+ Freedom Fund – “LGBTQ Freedom Fund raises awareness of the criminalization in America of LGBTQ folks, who are three times more likely to be incarcerated than other individuals.”
Asian Americans Advancing Justice – “We work every day to protect our democracy through advocacy and litigation, and to equip Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to take action across the country. Your tax-deductible donation will help us shape a nation that protects the rights of all marginalized communities that are part of the fabric of America.”
Greater Flint Urgent Relief Fund – “The Greater Flint Urgent Relief Fund has been established by a coalition of philanthropic, government and business partners to quickly coordinate and deploy resources to nonprofit organizations in the Greater Flint area that are working with communities disproportionately affected by the coronavirus outbreak.”
Trans Justice Funding Project – “A Black community-led funding initiative to support grassroots trans justice groups run by and for trans people.”
Welcome to Chinatown NYC – “Welcome to Chinatown is a grassroots initiative to support Chinatown businesses and amplify community voices that generates much needed momentum to preserve one of New York City’s most vibrant neighborhoods.”
61 Ways to Donate in Support of Asian Communities
Literature and Educational Tools (Ongoing)
Online Articles and Learning Tools
Guide to Bystander Intervention
The Sci-Files’ Effective Allyship – “Lauren Collier-Spruel’s research focuses on the effectiveness of diversity interventions at work. Specifically, she has completed a variety of projects on ally intervention and ally effectiveness. There are a lot of people who say they are allies for people who have been marginalized by society. But is it enough to be an ally? The research discussed today suggests that it’s not, as discussed in a July 20, 2020 episode of The Sci-Files.”
COVID-19’s Impact on Black and Minority Communities
Anti-Racist Resources from Greater Good
Resources to Support Anti-Racist Learning
An Antiracist Reading List (The New York Times) – Written by writer, historian and professor Ibram X. Kendi.
An Antiracist Reading List (NPR) – As the headline says, “This List Of Books, Films And Podcasts About Racism Is A Start, Not A Panacea.”
White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack
How to Ally to the AAPI Community (USA Today)
Documentaries & Media
National Diversity Council YouTube Channel
Asian Americans Documentary Series – Asian Americans is a five-hour film series that delivers a bold, fresh perspective on a history that matters today, more than ever.
13th
“The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975″
Stand up with AAPI Communities
Books
Chicago artist and activist Noname has received widespread acclaim for her music – from us included – but her attention has since shifted elsewhere. Last year she began to take a break from music and shortly after created Noname’s Book Club, a partnership-based organization that focuses on reading authors of color, particularly Black authors. Noname’s Book Club is emphasized as a space for anti-capitalist and anti-racist viewpoints, which has become especially important in this moment of worldwide activism.
Regarding the topic of abolition and other social justice dialogue, Noname made the point that capitalist publications (some of which are included in this resource list) should not be our only source of information on these issues. She included a link to the abolitionist journal In The Belly, which spotlights the work of incarcerated writers.
Young, Proud, and Sung-jee – Joyce Y. Lee, Emily Ku, Maggie Chen
This is a children’s book on fighting anti-Asian racism during COVID-19. The purpose of this book is to provide an educational resource to help generate meaningful discussions between adults and children about anti-Asian racism.
Stamped from the Beginning – Ibram X. Kendi
Are Prisons Obsolete? – Angela Davis
Between the World and Me – Ta-Nehisi Coates
Archive
Register for the Aug. 28 March on Washington D.C. -” ‘Get Off Our Necks’ Commitment March on Washington will be a day of action that will demonstrate our commitment to fighting for policing and criminal justice.”
The Annual Woman of Color Community Conference – for faculty and staff (this includes student workers)
Annual Gender, Women’s Suffrage, and Political Power (GWSPP) Conference – “(GWSPP) conference is a multi-day virtual meeting that brings together academics and activists to explore the critical history of women’s suffrage and political power…”
Support Georgia’s Asian American Community – Please help support Georgia’s Asian American communities. This donation page was created to help the victims and their families impacted by the violent acts that took place on Tuesday, March 16, 2021.
Breonna Taylor and George Floyd Artivism Commission – We invite Black creatives in Michigan to contribute to a virtual exhibit of artworks inspired by the global fight for racial justice in all genres including dance, theater, film, drawing, painting, poetry, music, graphic design, etc. Due April 13, 2021.
Haiti
The Centre Hospitalier de Fontaine exists to provide support to underfunded schools and hospitals serving low-income, underserved, disenfranchised Haitian communities worldwide. Support and contributions enables the organization to meet their goals and improve conditions in underfunded hospitals and schools in Haiti, and the U.S.A.
Locally Haiti supports efforts in education, agriculture and conservation, community health, and girls’ empowerment. The organization’s integrated initiatives are designed to support economic development and the overall health and well-being of families in the Nippes region of rural Haiti.
The Ayiti Community Trust supports and sustains development innovation in Ayiti in the areas of civic education, environment, and entrepreneurship. The ACT aims to grow its endowment to partner with Ayiti on its 21st-century path toward sustainable economic and social development through advances in three interconnected pillars: the civic education, environment, and entrepreneurship.
Hope for Haiti is focused on providing support and partnership for the Haitian people every single day. Their mission is to improve the quality of life for the Haitian people, particularly children.
Fonkoze is a family of organizations that work together to provide the financial and non-financial services to empower Haitians—primarily women—to lift their families out of poverty. Fonkoze’s vision is for a Haiti where people, standing together, shoulder to shoulder, have pulled themselves out of poverty.
Michigan Hands on Haiti supports the the development of Haitians in their communities through spiritual and professional guidance. Building and nurturing relationships through faith.
Haiti Foundation Against Poverty organizes programs that contribute to a thriving Haiti by empowering the Haitian people with education, access to health care, crisis nutrition, job creation, agriculture investments, and sharing the Gospel.
The True Haiti Earthquake Death Toll Is Much Worse Than Early Official Counts
Haiti earthquake: Devastation and more than 2,000 dead
Here is what to know about the Haiti earthquake.
What’s Happening in Haiti? Major Earthquake Kills and Injures Thousands
Afghanistan
Afghan Diaspora Hub has researched organizations that are assisting with this crisis to ensure your donations are dealt with responsibility and reaching the most vulnerable in Afghanistan. They also vet information and organizations, go fund me, and other campaigns that are floating on social media channels so you can make informed decisions.
How You Can Help People in Afghanistan
Let’s talk about Afghanistan: Resources for Veterans and their families
Taliban take over Afghanistan: What we know and what’s next
4 Reasons A Taliban Takeover In Afghanistan Matters To The World
Afghanistan’s ethnic minorities fear a repeat of past atrocities.
Cuba
Give To Cuba is a group of Cuban-Americans who are concerned about the humanitarian situation in Cuba. Through this page, they highlight vetted U.S.-based organizations that have a long track record of helping Cubans on the island with access to food, hygiene and medicines.
Support the Cuban people through First-Hand Aid, an organization dedicated to gathering and distributing humanitarian and medical aid to the most marginalized Cubans; giving them hope, dignity, and the necessities of life and health. More information on the recent situation in Cuba can be found in the articles below.
Cuba’s Black Communities Bear the Brunt of Regime’s Crackdown
International Organizations Urge President Biden to Prioritize the Humanitarian Crisis in Cuba
Cubans Denounce ‘Misery’ in Biggest Protests in Decades
Thousands of SOS Cuba protesters march from White House to Cuban embassy
Cubans take to streets in rare protests over lack of freedoms and worsening economy
