Black Lives Matter - Information and Resources III, Coronavirus Update

Black Lives Matter - Information and Resources III

A few weeks ago, we focused on Black Lives Matter organisations and networks as well as on anti-racism alliances and networks and how we can all help and donate. We continued this week with a variety of resources:

Support Black Owned (SBO) is a free Black and African American owned business directory and blog filled with thousands of 100% Black, Moorish, and African American owned businesses. SBO was created as a one-stop source for Black business owners and consumers.

The Marshall Project is a nonpartisan, nonprofit news organisation that seeks to create and sustain a sense of national urgency about the U.S. criminal justice system. You can support the organisation's journalism by becoming a member and donating.

If you're a fan of photography, check out Don't Back Down!. You can buy limited edition archival prints by internationally renowned photographers for $150 per print. 100% of the proceeds are donated to the Equal Justice Initiative, The Okra Project, and Inner City Arts.

Established in 1946, Initiatives of Change Switzerland (IofC) is a group which organises and coordinates local conferences and strives to bring together a diverse group of people. IofC believes that stories are powerful, and that story sharing can be a effective tool for change. The Black Lives Matter movement is important to them as it is part of the common story of humanity, and at their conferences this year, they would like people to share their stories.

Coronavirus Update

With the recent uptick in infections in Switzerland, it's more important than ever to remain cautious and follow the now-familiar rules on hygiene and social distancing. Keep checking the website of The Federal Office of Public Health, which has all the updates on the situation in English. Masks have been compulsory on all public transport since 6 July 2020. In addition, travellers from certain regions have to go into quarantine.

If you'd like to continue to support Basel artists affected by the pandemic, Kulturklinik is a Basel website and online shop where you can donate or buy art or music.

On an international scale, you could win a personalised performance by musicians Annie Lennox, Sting, Taylor Swift, Emeli Sandé, Jessie J, Paloma Faith, Celeste, Frank Turner and more by donating to The Circle Covid Appeal. The Circle Music Auction will help raise funds for women and girls across the globe who have been disproportionately impacted by the Covid-19 crisis.

Together for Her is a another call to action to stand in solidarity with women and girls around the world. According to the United Nations Population Fund, six months of lockdowns could result in an additional 31 million cases of gender-based violence. Coming together to support women in this crisis is critical. Together for Her deploys funds and supports the global response against domestic violence during the time of Covid-19. 

Our music was a mix of themes from recent months, showcasing Black artists, lockdown albums, and Basel musicians. We played:

Jean Deaux - Back 2 You

Pharrell Williams - Able (Hidden Figures)

Joey Bada$$ - Land of the Free

The Hostiles - Messed Up (Acoustic)

Jasmin Albash - Sink

StoryYelling - Faith (When I Let You Down) (Acoustic)

UMI - Love Affair

Harvey Rushmore & the Octopus - Futureman

Big Joanie - Down Down

LOAD - Great Big White World