A statement from Charlotte Metro DSA:
Over the past few days there have been many local events circulating on social media to protest the murder of George Floyd at the hands of the Minneapolis Police Department. Nationally and locally there is concern that some of these have been created by bad-actors – or at least disorganized actors that place our most vulnerable groups in danger. Many people in Charlotte are looking to us to help discern which protests are legitimate. We have compiled the following information to share with the Charlotte community. This information best reflects our knowledge of local events at this time. We would also like to issue general guidance for anyone interested in joining a protest and information on the events of Friday, May 29th.
Right now we should protest the murder of George Floyd and fight for the abolition of the police state. Capitalism is killing and exploiting workers right now. It always has, and the police state props this up. We must listen to black communities and their leaders for direction with these protests.
Local Protest Information
It Ends Now: Marching in Unity for Racial Justice
Hosted by It Ends Now Charlotte
Sunday, May 31st | 1:00 PM | First Ward Park
It Ends Now is comprised of local community leaders and clergy people. The organizers are, and have historically been, active in Charlotte and the surrounding areas. They are taking precautions to ensure social distancing and protester safety. We have talked to the organizers, and they are people we trust. While this is affiliated with local Christian groups, people of all faiths and backgrounds are welcome to attend.
Please be aware that police will be present at this event, including plainclothes officers.
They are asking attendees to do the following:
Wear white
Make a sign
Wear a mask
Bring water & walking shoes
Social-distance at the park and while marching
They have stated that kids are welcome. However, we advise against this due to reactive and aggressive actions of Charlotte Police at the protest on Friday night. We believe the protest will remain peaceful, but we want to ensure the safety of children especially.
They have created a Facebook event where they are providing updates and answering questions. Their willingness to engage with community members online and with transparency further strengthens our trust in them.
Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/635259977059332/
T.H.U.G.L.I.F.E. Protest
Hosted by Mahagony Rose and Mariah Davis
Sunday, May 31st | 1:00 PM | Romare Barden Park
The protest has been organized by local college students who have stated that they connected online. While we are less familiar with these organizers, they have demonstrated a willingness to communicate online and have been transparent with their identities and in their planning. It is also being supported by the Southeast Asian Coalition, a local and active social justice group. Organizers are taking precautions by requesting volunteers to help make the event run smoothly and are requiring attendees to wear masks. We therefore feel a certain measure of confidence in recommending people to attend this protest.
They have also created a Facebook event where they are providing updates and answering questions.
Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/250687152810708/
Protest Guidelines
Only attend protests when they are organized by people who are local and active in the community! Above all, keep each other safe, even if it is organized locally.
Wear a mask - to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect your identity.
Go with people you know and use the buddy system.
Familiarize yourself with the area - plan parking and meetup spots in advance.
Dress in comfortable and non-restrictive clothing. Wear close-toed shoes. Wear non-identifiable, nondescript clothing. Match other protesters if you know what to wear in advance.
Cover tattoos and other identifiable features.
Bring a backpack: pack water and snacks.
Be cautious about bringing and using your phone.
At the very least, turn off location data and turn off Face ID and Fingerprint ID. Police cannot force you to enter a passcode into your phone.Consider using encrypted messaging apps like Signal to communicate.
Be cautious of taking photos of those around you. Blur faces before posting to ANY social media including Instagram or Snapchat stories.
Statement on the Event of Friday, May 29th
This protest was organized by an extremely reckless group, who while believing they have the best interests of the working class in their hearts, appear truly indifferent to the suffering they face. The organizing of the protest on Friday night is proof of this. There was very little leadership. The only leaders present were using the anger of the moment to incite violence and provoke police, for which they had planned no protection or backup plan to protect the most vulnerable of this community. We saw no riot medics, no marshals, no organization whatsoever. Charlotte Uprising sprung into action to secure bail for the protesters who were arrested during this protest to limit contact with the police and COVID-19. Charlotte’s jails are filthy, and limiting people’s time in these jails is essential.
This protest was brought to an already vulnerable community with a heavy police presence. We critique these protests because of the negligence it shows towards the community in Beatties Ford that is already suffering. This however does not undermine the anger, and mourning felt in these communities. Charlotte’s black and brown communities have long been over-policed and underfunded. Because of this, we must look to the direction of these communities and their leaders, especially when we are putting people at risk.
Bail Funds
Charlotte Uprising has organized a bail fund for protesters. You can donate via the following apps:
Cash App: $WereStillHere
Venmo: @ResistanceisBeautiful
Alternate Venmo: @communityjustice
If you would like to donate to the bail fund for protesters in Minneapolis you can do so here: https://minnesotafreedomfund.org
06:54 PM Edit: We have just learned that the Minnesota Freedom Fund does not have a Venmo account. Please only donate through their official website.
07:13 PM Edit: We have learned that the MFF is now asking people to donate to Black Visions instead of the MFF.
We are also linking the GoFundMe created by George Floyd’s family: https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd