5 Things Friday

Support a Black publishing empire, fight back against voter supression, must-see TV and more. Here are your antiracism action steps for April 2.

Mike Nicholls, photographed by Jen Siska.

It's been a heavy week, and one that is tons weightier for our Black and Asian brothers and sisters. In New York, a 65-year old Fillipino woman was attacked in broad daylight while bystanders did nothing, and worse—closed the door and walked the other way. The Derek Chauvin trial is underway, and the emotional testimony of witnesses—one a 9-year-old girl—is resurfacing all the trauma and heartache of this summer, and in many cases, a lifetime.

So in addition to these five things, please remember—this week and every week—to extend the utmost grace, humanity, and dignity to all of those around you. People are suffering.

Here are your 5 Things.

DONATE TO THIS. Remember Mike Nicholls? He's the founder and creative director of UMBER, a stunning graphic journal produced in Oakland that highlights the creative nuances of Black & Brown people in print media. Now, Nicholls is taking it to the next level, launching a publishing company, expanding to four publications, (including the addition of Tone and Slumber), and growing UMBER's publishing team and content studio. "Now is the time to expand on the foundation of UMBER and develop a more viable approach to capturing the creative perspectives of Black and Brown voices and build an even more connected, vibrant community." He's turning to the community for support, so pledge to the campaign now!

WATCH THIS. We don't usually do this, but we think this ask warrants being specific: this one is ONLY FOR WHITE PEOPLE. If you haven't been watching the trial of Derek Chauvin, please take a seat and watch these videos from the last four days. If your anger and outrage (and action) has simmered down since this summer, this is your piping hot reminder.

SEND THIS. Yep, the new voter suppression law in Georgia is next level. But it's hardly the only game in town. According to a new report by the Brennan Center for Justice, 361 bills to make it harder to vote have been introduced in 47 states in the first three months of this year, overwhelmingly by Republicans. That’s up from 253 restrictive bills tallied as of February 19, an increase of 43 percent in just over a month. And more laws are coming: 55 restrictive bills are moving through state legislatures in 24 states; 29 have passed at least one legislative chamber. So what can we do? Not to sound like a broken record, but Congress must pass H.R. 4, the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. That'll do it. Time to email your representative. Yep, again.

SIGN THIS. Ugh, enough with the RECALLS. They are like TikTok dance challenges for rich conservatives. Of course, San Francisco's groundbreaking DA Chesa Boudin is next up, with the charge being led by Richie Greenberg, a former Republican mayoral candidate, and David Sacks, a former PayPal execu who forked over $25,000 of the campaign’s total $76,587 and is most aggrieved over Boudin's opposition to the 3 strikes law (which was a key driver of mass incarceration and disproportionately punished Black and Brown offenders). Get more info and show your support for Chesa here.

FOLLOW THIS. Our Black Party is a “political home for those who are fiercely committed to improving the lives of Black people across this country and demanding meaningful political action that prioritizes the needs of Black people.” The party exists to “advance a political agenda that addresses the needs of Black people.” According to a great profile on The Root, "Their goal is to build a network of Black community leaders in and outside of the political system who understand that the Black vote should not be freely handed out to any candidate or political party that doesn’t demonstrate a specific focus on their Black constituents." Follow them on the gram to keep up with new candidates.