By Jesse Piedfort, Washington State Chapter Director
The Washington Sierra Club unequivocally believes that Black Lives Matter, and stands with those protesting the tragedy of George Floyd’s murder, the life-crushing injustice of our criminal justice system, and the ugliness of institutional racism in all its manifestations.
We are committed to building a green, equitable Washington State for all, and we also know that the status quo can’t continue. As we work to protect the health, sustainability, and natural beauty of our communities, we must also commit to listening to, working alongside, and joining those fighting to dismantle the systems of oppression that have allowed the inequities and violence that have been visited on black communities to persist for generations.
Our partners and local leaders in communities of color are asking for support this week by sharing out urgent calls for assistance and action. Here are a few we’d like to amplify:
- A coalition of black and POC organizations in Seattle is calling for a decrease in police funding, more investments in community health, safety, and violence prevention programs, and for no prosecution of protesters from recent days’ actions. You can support those demands by signing this petition.
- 70% of people in jail haven’t been convicted of a crime, and bail requirements often make poor people choose between staying in jail to fight a criminal charge, or pleading guilty just to be allowed home. Contributions to organizations like Northwest Community Bail Fund or the local Black Lives Matter Freedom Fund help give people who can’t afford bail an equal opportunity to mount a legal defense.