Justice for Patrick Lyoya - How to Give
We are distraught and outraged by the murder of Patrick Lyoya at the hands of a Grand Rapids police officer. This tragedy is yet another moment in the ongoing pattern of injustice disproportionately affecting Black communities across the country. To have this happen here in our home city only deepens our determination to continue to fight for racial justice.
Over the last few days as video footage of Lyoya’s murder has placed this on the national radar, we have received numerous asks for where and how to support the Lyoya Family and the local community as we continue to process, demand justice be served, begin the process of healing, and look towards long terms plans to advance racial justice. Below are a couple of avenues as recommended by local activists for you to give and support the family of Patrick Lyoya, the Grand Rapids and West Michigan community, and the movement for racial justice:
Support the Lyoya family via this GoFundMe (direct/non-deductible)
Urban Core Collective – The Urban Core Collective fights systemic racism in Grand Rapids through equal access to: education, economic prosperity, health, power, and influence. (501c3 charitable & deductible)
A Glimpse of Africa – This grassroots social justice organization is providing social and emotional support for both the Lyoya family and the community and long-term works to bring people together to celebrate, educate and share diverse African cultures while breaking barriers and connecting refugees and Immigrants from African countries to local Grand Rapids area resources and opportunities. (501c3 - charitable & deductible)
Equity PAC – Equity PAC is a local Political Action Committee of Grand Rapidians mobilizing money and time to support equity-minded candidates and ballot initiatives, participate in education and advocacy, and encourage direct citizen action to address equity in the city. (PAC - political & non-deductible)
Black Lives Matter Michigan – The local Michigan Chapter of Black Lives Matter works to eradicate white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilante by combating and countering acts of violence, creating space for Black imagination and innovation, and centering Black joy. (PAC - political & non-deductible)