Love is a verb. And the only way we can truly love thy neighbor is by taking action in the face of adversity.

So when our fellow Americans – George Floyd, Trayvon Martin, Sandra Bland, Eric Garner, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and so many more – are killed it is our duty to speak up and demand justice.

When our fellow Americans are marching for the protections that we all deserve but only some of us have, it's critical that we march with them and lift them up.

Today, I ask you to join me in supporting the critical work of the Black Lives Matter movement by staying informed, taking action, and supporting the important work of local and national organizations on the ground.

My friend and future State Senator, Kate Lieber, compiled an extensive list below of ways we can get involved in the movement.

I hope you will join me in turning anger into action.

In solidarity,

Rob

Join the fight.

Allyship requires action.

Get Informed:

Black Lives Matter Reading List from Powell's Books

Anti-Racism Resources: Educate yourself and the people around you to deepen your understanding of how racism affects us all. Have conversations with your family and friends.

Equal Justice Initiative — Tragic Death of George Floyd Reveals Continuing Problem of Police Violence: A reflection on the current state of police reform with recommendations for progress.

Campaign Zero — Solutions: A look at data- and research-informed policy solutions that communities can put in place to end police violence.

Center for Policing Equity — The Science of Justice: Race, Justice, and Police Use of Force: This detailed report delves into police administrative data to show disparities in the use of force.

Take Action:

Color of Change — Sign a Petition to End Violent Policing Against Black People: Sign this petition calling for the end of police violence against Black people.

Urge your legislators to take action: Contact members of Congress to support Reps. Ayanna Pressley, Ilhan Omar, Barbara Lee, and Karen Bass's resolution to condemn police brutality, racial profiling, and use of excessive force.

Support:

Urban League of Portland: One of Oregon's oldest civil rights and social service organizations, empowering African-Americans and others to achieve equality in education, employment, health, economic security and quality of life.

The Portland African American Leadership Forum: PALLF helps the Black community imagine the alternatives they deserve and build civic participation and leadership to achieve those alternatives.

The Movement for Black Lives: A coalition of hundreds of organizations that coordinate actions, messages and campaigns, The Movement for Black Lives supports Black-led rapid response efforts and long-term strategy, policy and infrastructure investments.

NAACP Legal Defense Fund: America's premier legal organization fighting for racial justice through litigation, advocacy, and public education. LDF seeks structural changes to expand democracy, eliminate disparities, and achieve racial justice in a society that fulfills the promise of equality for all Americans.

Nationwide Bail Fund: Help support bail for protestors nationally, or focus your support toward bail for protesters in Portland