The disturbing footage of the murder of George Floyd by a police officer in Minneapolis last week has shaken the world, and has cast new light on the deep-rooted problem of systemic racism that remains entrenched in our societies and institutions. George Floyd’s death is totemic of the intolerable injustice and discrimination that is experienced daily by black individuals and communities across the world.
Unit London was built on the basic principles of humanity, inclusivity and accessibility; we stand against bigotry, bias, and discrimination in all its forms. As a cultural organisation, we have a duty and a responsibility to use our voice to raise awareness and denounce these issues, to harness our anger and frustration and channel it into positive action. We stand in solidarity with the black community, and in support of the civil protestors who are collectively enacting change and helping to bring an end to criminal injustice, brutality and violence towards minority communities.
For this reason, we have taken the decision to postpone the launch of our anticipated online exhibition, Drawn Together, by one week (now opening June 11th). We will spend this week devoting our time, energy, and digital platforms to supporting the Black Lives Matter movement online.
We are encouraging our fellow members of the artistic community – artists, museums and galleries alike – to join us in being conscious and aware of the role we have to play in standing up against racism, and devising strategies that directly address these issues through our content, our programming and our communication.
We have made donations to the Minnesota Freedom Fund and Campaign Zero. Pleas take a moment to look at the charities below, click the images to be taken to their website.
The Minnesota Freedom Fund
“Our cities and communities are in anguish and outrage over the brutal daytime murder of George Floyd, who lost his life to the deeply ingrained racism and historic violence of the Minneapolis Police Department, and monstrous actions of former officer Derek Chauvin. Three other officers remain uncharged. The world has shown up in support for those who are taking to the streets to demand the long-overdue end to police brutality that has taken the lives of too many of our black, brown and Native people. “
Campaign Zero
“We can live in a world where the police don’t kill people by limiting police interventions, improving community interactions, and ensuring accountability. We can live in an America where the police do not kill people. Police in England, Germany, Australia, Japan, and even cities like Buffalo, NY, and Richmond, CA, demonstrate that public safety can be ensured without killing civilians. By implementing the right policy changes, we can end police killings and other forms of police violence in the United States.”
Black Visions Collective
“The authors of the Declaration of Independence outlined a bold vision for America: a nation in which there would be equal justice for all. More than two hundred years later, it has yet to be achieved. Though generations of civil rights activism have led to important gains in legal, political, social, employment, educational, and other spheres, the forced removal of indigenous peoples and the enslavement of those of African descent marked the beginnings of a system of racial injustice from which our country has yet to break free. From our public schools where students of color are too often confined to racially isolated, underfunded, and inferior programs, to our criminal justice system that disproportionately targets and incarcerates people of color and criminalizes poverty, to the starkly segregated world of housing, the dream of equal justice remains an elusive one.”
Fair Fight
“We promote fair elections in Georgia and around the country, encourage voter participation in elections, and educate voters about elections and their voting rights. Fair Fight brings awareness to the public on election reform, advocates for election reform at all levels, and engages in other voter education programs and communications. Voter suppression of voters of color and young voters is a scourge our country faces in states across the nation. Georgia’s 2018 elections shone a bright light on the issue with elections that were rife with mismanagement, irregularities, unbelievably long lines and more, exposing both recent and also decades-long actions and inactions by the state to thwart the right to vote. Georgians and Americans are fighting back. Fair Fight Action engages in voter mobilization and education activities and advocates for progressive issues; in addition Fair Fight Action has mounted significant programs to combat voter suppression in Georgia and nationally.”
Reclaim The Block
“Reclaim the Block began in 2018 and organizes Minneapolis community and city council members to move money from the police department into other areas of the city’s budget that truly promote community health and safety. We believe health, safety and resiliency exist without police of any kind. We organize around policies that strengthen community-led safety initiatives and reduce reliance on police departments. We do not believe that increased regulation of or public engagement with the police will lead to safer communities, as community testimony and documented police conduct suggest otherwise.”
American Civil Liberties Union
“The authors of the Declaration of Independence outlined a bold vision for America: a nation in which there would be equal justice for all. More than two hundred years later, it has yet to be achieved. Though generations of civil rights activism have led to important gains in legal, political, social, employment, educational, and other spheres, the forced removal of indigenous peoples and the enslavement of those of African descent marked the beginnings of a system of racial injustice from which our country has yet to break free. From our public schools where students of color are too often confined to racially isolated, underfunded, and inferior programs, to our criminal justice system that disproportionately targets and incarcerates people of color and criminalizes poverty, to the starkly segregated world of housing, the dream of equal justice remains an elusive one.”