George Floyd
Unless you have been living under a rock you would have seen on social media, the news or been told about the incident in Minnesota where 3 Police Officers murdered George Floyd in broad daylight.
As a brand, Jaslar Pearl makes it very clear who and what we stand for and support. Whether that be sustainability in responsible production of our products or supporting the black lives matter movement which has never been so important.
It is outrageous how black people are treated worldwide and there needs to be change more than ever.
Australia's Own Issues
Jaslar Pearl is an Australian based brand and most people would think that Australia doesn't deal with these issues like other countries. Although like America, Australia was founded on white supremacy and built its wealth on the murder, rape and slavery of its Indigenous people.
If you are infuriated about racial injustices in America, you should be infuriated about what's happening in our own backyard. An Indigenous Australian is more likely to be incarcerated than an African American.
Indigenous Australians represent 3% of the population, but are 28% of the prison population in Australia.
Not to mention there have been many instances where Australian Police have abused their power leading to the death of over 400 Indigenous Australians in custody, with not a single conviction. At least 5 of those deaths were in the past year.
The Australian government needs to address the issue of our first nations people being killed in custody.
HOW TO HELP
1) EDUCATE YOURSELF
This page was written to provide information to educate yourself better on Racial discrimination happening all over the world and how you can help in these times. Theres a lot to cover so we have attached other sources below.
2) GET ACTIVE
There are plenty of ways we can help America even from Australia as well as many ways to help fight for our own issues. Together we can make a difference.
Most have probably heard someone say the phrase "Black Lives Matter" or seen the hashtag #blacklivesmatter but might not understand the full extent of what it means. Below is a link to Black Lives Matter About page to share additional information.
ABOUT BLACK LIVES MATTER MOVEMENT
Anyone who has said "Black Lives Matter" has most likely come across someone that has answered with "All Lives matter". It's not that the movement is saying that all other lives don't matter but that black lives are oppressed and that needs to be changed. Click below for more information.
WHY YOU SHOULD STOP SAYING "ALL LIVES MATTER"
Below are some books that help explain some of the issues we are dealing with.
ORGANISATIONS
Below is a curated list of organisations in Australia fighting against racial injustices that you can donate too so we can try to do our part.
The National Justice Project
The National Justice Project is a civil rights organisation dedicated to tackling systemic injustice and racism within government institutions. It provides a targeted health-law service for First Nations peoples and communities who have experienced discrimination in healthcare or medical negligence, and has also campaigned against the unlawful treatment of refugees in Australia's offshore detention camps.
You can donate here
Healing Foundation
The Healing Foundation is a national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisation that partners with communities to address the ongoing trauma caused by actions like the forced removal of children from their families.
You can donate here.
Human Rights Law Centre
The Human Rights Law Centre uses strategic legal action, policy solutions and advocacy to support people and communities to eliminate inequality and injustice and build a fairer, more compassionate Australia.
You can donate here.
ANTaR: (Australian for Native Title and Recognition)
Since 1997, the ANTaR has continuously worked with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and leaders on rights and reconciliation issues. ANTaR is an independent, national network of organisations and individuals working in support of justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia.
You can donate here.
North Australia Aboriginal Justice Agency
NAAJA delivers high quality and culturally competent legal services to Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory, providing both law and justice related services that aim to ensure that Aboriginal people have real access to justice across Criminal, Civil, Law & Justice, Community Legal Education and Indigenous Prisoner Throughcare.
You can donate here.
Aboriginal Legal Services
Founded in 1970 as a response to the forced dispossession of Aboriginal land across NSW and the ACT, the ALS now does legal work in criminal law, children's care and protection law and family law. They also support the development of wraparound programs and undertake broader policy and law reform work.
You can donate here.
Change the Record
Change the Record is Australia's only national Aboriginal-led justice coalition of Aboriginal peak bodies and non-Indigenous allies. They're working to end the incarceration of, and family violence against, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
You can donate here.
Sisters Inside
Sisters Inside provides comprehensive, holistic support for women and girls from marginalised communities who have been imprisoned and criminalised. They also campaign to address the factors that have led to the drastic overrepresentation of First Nations women in Australia's prisons.
You can donate here.
Common Ground
Common Ground's mission is to help Australians see the value of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures through providing access to engaging and authentic content that will help bridge gaps in knowledge.
You can donate here.
Children's Ground
Children's Ground works across 5 intersecting platforms: learning, health, economic well-being, culture and community, helping indigenous youth obtain skills that create local, national and global opportunities.
You can donate here.
Black Rainbow
Black Rainbow is a national advocacy platform and touchpoint for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Queer, Transgender, and Intersex (LGBQTI) peoples. They support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBQTI people through a variety of community projects and initiatives.
You can donate here.
Due to Covid-19 and lack of employment in Australia many of us are unable to spare as much as we would like to help out. We've found a way to help without the use of money. Click the link above to see how.
PETITIONS
All you need to do is type your name and email to add your voice.