During times like these, although it’s completely understandable why and how others express their anger or sadness about recent and even not so recent events, I prefer to only speak if there’s something valuable I can add to the conversation or if there’s some sort of solution that I can provide .
There are already so many charitable pages set up for the families of Alton Sterling, Philando Castille, Tamir Rice and others murdered by police that I wanted to do my part in another way. A way that could potentially go towards a solution and fix the cause of so many of these unpunished murders which is our corrupt criminal justice system. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is a private organization dedicated to defending voting rights, fighting relentless attacks on reproductive freedom, reforming our racially-biased criminal justice system and more. They played a large role in Obergefell v. Hodges, the case responsible for legalizing gay marriage nationwide, as well as advocate for the reformation of the criminal justice system and police oversight.
I understand that the problems we’re facing are too deep rooted to be solved through one fundraiser, or a couple donation pages, or a boycott and by no means do I think I have all the answers. But I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t try and contribute something to the cause no matter how small or no matter how little my platform. Therefore, I’ve released two new shirts in my store to support the fight for freedom. All earnings from both shirts will be donated to the ACLU in the hopes that they will fight for legislation that will one day make all this pain and injustice a thing of the past. There are hundreds of organizations I could have chosen to donate to that others might feel are more suitable or appropriate, but none that I have found that defend our rights as much or as well as the ACLU. With over 60 federal and state lobbyists on their team and involvement in 2,000 cases at any given moment, I feel like that we’ll make the most progress through the ACLU.
Available for men, women and kids in three different colors. Check out the “Declaration” and “Know Your Rights” shirts here. The first shirt, Declaration, contains the first paragraph of the Declaration of Independence:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.”
The second shirt, Know Your Rights, contains a list of often infringed upon American rights.
I have the right to remain silent. I cannot be punished for refusing to answer questions. I have the right to refuse to consent to a search of myself or my belongings. If I am not under arrest, I have the right to leave. I have the right to a lawyer if I am arrested. Regardless of my immigration or citizenship status, I have constitutional rights. I have the right to peacefully assemble in public spaces without a permit. I have the right to photograph anything that is in plain view when in public spaces where I am lawfully present. That includes pictures of federal buildings, transportation facilities, and police. Such photography is a form of public oversight over the government and is important in a free society. Police officers may not confiscate or demand to view my digital photographs or video without a warrant. Police may not delete my photographs or video under any circumstances.
Again, I know this is only a small step towards justice, but it’s something and something is always better than nothing. I will be posting more in the future on other steps we can take towards feeling more empowered and hopefully collectively, we will be able to inflict change and make a real, tangible difference in our society and consequently, the world. What action do you think will inflict the most change? Sound off below.