In lieu of a new episode on Sunday, June 7th, we released the following statement of support for worldwide protests against systemic racism and police violence.
Trayvon Martin
Tamir Rice
Michael Brown
Eric Garner
Sandra Bland
Freddie Gray
Alton Sterling
Philando Castile
Botham Jean
Atatiana Jefferson
Ahmaud Arbery
Doug Lewis
Breonna Taylor
George Floyd
Tony McDade
David McAtee
This list is missing so many names, so many victims of police violence and hate crimes. The Midnight Myth stands with the victims and protestors of racial injustice and state-sanctioned violence. We invite our listeners, friends, and fellow podcasters to join in solidarity, and to take actionable steps toward ending systemic racism and police brutality.
These are some steps and resources we’ve found helpful:
Open your wallet if you are able. Consider supporting the NAACP’s Legal Defense and Education Fund, the Southern Poverty Law Center, Reclaim the Block, your local Black Lives Matter Chapter or Bail Fund. Or directly support the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, or Tony McDade. Seek out and support Black-owned businesses in your area.
Sign petitions. Hold your mayors and representatives accountable. Start by demanding to defund the police. Find out if your city has adopted 8 Can’t Wait: eight proposed reforms to use of force policy proven to reduce police killings by 72%. These measures are just a start, but they can achieve immediate harm reduction as we work toward the ultimate goal of fully defunding police and investing in comprehensive community safety.
Get educated. Read, watch, listen. For podcasts, start with 1619 from the New York Times Magazine, or The End of Policing. Read White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo, The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander, The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin. bell hooks. Angela Davis. Find more recommendations at bit.ly/ANTIRACISMRESOURCES. Order from Black-owned bookstores.
You’ll find links to our recommendations and more in today’s show notes. Don’t lose momentum. Keep fighting for a more just and equitable world for our Black communities. Don’t run from the discomfort. Keep expanding your perception of what’s possible.
Thank you Cult 45: The Movie Podcast for inviting podcasters to participate in this Podcast Blackout. Black Lives Matter.
And until next time, be kind.
