The IfYou’reReadingThis Team
If you’re reading this, Black Lives Matter.
In the wake of global protests addressing systemic injustices exemplified by the murder of George Floyd last Monday, we want to ensure that our organization and our platform are always here to support any individual through these tough times. A lot of us are feeling outraged and profoundly saddened. It is normal to feel a broad spectrum of emotions right now, and we encourage you to access the resources and relationships you need to cope at this time. As always, we have students here at IfYoureReadingThis ready to speak with any one of you.
IfYou'reReadingThis has always been a platform that encourages voices to be heard, and right now we need to use our platform to amplify the voices of our Black community. We implore you to read BSA’s Statement Regarding Violence Against the Black Community. (They also provide a list of health and well-being resources in their letter.) We believe that silence is not an option, so we encourage everyone to engage in the important conversations that will lead to meaningful change, either publicly or privately. Conversations lead to actions and are an important first step to driving this change.
Finally, to support the fight for human rights and racial justice, our organization will be donating to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, Black Lives Matter, and various bail funds across the country. As a team we will match donations up to our $500 budget cap. Simply send us your receipt (on Facebook, Instagram, or submissions@ifyourereadingthis.org) and which organization you would like us to donate to. We believe discussion is one way of addressing the issue at hand, but supporting the institutions who are at the front lines is equally as important and can go a long way.
UPDATE:
We have reached our $500 matching cap. Our readers have submitted $1,399 in donations to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, Black Lives Matter, and various bail, aid, and community funds across the country. Combined with our budgeted $500 matching cap, $1,899 is being donated across these organizations. The full list of these funds will be provided below. We encourage you to continue donating to these causes, as well as educating yourselves, checking in with your friends, and doing what is in your power to fight for racial justice. Thank you to all of our readers who have donated to these organizations. We also believe racism is an issue tied to mental health, and are committed to representing more Black voices on our website.
Yours in solidarity,
The IfYou’reReadingThis Team
Funds and Organization Donated to:
The NAACP Legal Defense Fund
Black Lives Matter
The Act Blue Bail Fund, splitting donations to various cities’ bail funds
Richmond Mutual Aid
Richmond Community Bail Fund
National Bail Out
Reclaim the Block
Justice for Breonna Taylor
Black Visions
Campaign Zero
LDF
The IfYou’reReadingThis Team, University of Virginia
Connect With Us
To follow IfYoureReadingThis at UVA on Instagram, get in touch with our chapter, and learn about more resources available to University of Virginia students, visit our chapter’s homepage.
