I live in Eugene, Oregon. I'm not far at all from the very violent riot that went on a few nights ago where several fast food places and small businesses were decimated in a hijacking of the originally peaceful protest by a bunch of white teens and adults who had no business doing what they were doing while several of the original, peaceful, black protesters begged them to stop over megaphones. Among some of the businesses destroyed was an e-cig and vape store completely run and owned by blacks.

Rioting and looting is absolutely an understandable means of protest, but I think there's a way to do it to make a statement rather than do harm to those you're trying to help in these protests. First of all, I don't think it's okay to do this to small businesses. You've no idea if you may be ruining the livelihood and future of POC owners or allied owners. I don't and won't participate in violent protest personally, but if you're going to, you should direct your anger towards businesses that value their merchandise over human lives... I'm sure you know the big businesses I'm talking about, I doubt I have to explain it.

Because I believe in this cause and I want some fucking justice for George Floyd, and also because I had something to say against violent protests, I felt I owed it to the black community to do my part still and speak up. I participated in a peaceful protest in Eugene the very next day and marched several miles over highways and streets to make a scene. I believe in peaceful protests, but I also believe a protest can't just be some picnic, either. Protests are meant to get attention, to make a statement, to make a scene. If its so peaceful that no one sees you, then it's not enough.

I, along with hundreds of others, occupied as much space as possible to be seen, and I want to pass along the advice and information I gained from Oregon Senator Manning who came out to meet the protesters and make a speech on the matter. His advice was that change is made best from the inside. Of course, that being said, it's not possible for everyone and anyone to run for political offices, so his next best suggestion to everyone is to do extensive research on your area's District Attorney when voting or petitioning because the District Attorney is who's in charge of prosecuting police officers for their crimes. Make those petitions, make whatever calls you know you should, and vote when these elections come around for a District Attorney who you know will do right by the people rather than favoring bad cops who fucking kneel on people's necks until they die or who stand around and let their fellow officers do so. This's unacceptable behavior that is now trying to be passed off as George Floyd having a heart attack in the ordeal in order to relieve officer Chauvin of his crimes. Even what he's currently being charged with, 3rd degree murder, is inaccurate, and I want some fucking justice for the man he killed.

I know there've been other posts made about other ways to help, such as donating to protester relief, to George Floyd's family, etc., but I haven't seen many posts pointing out the one responsible for charging police officers and what to do about it, so here's my contribution. I hope this information helps. Stay strong, stay safe if you need to or be brave if you have to. Support POC because they're very much still in danger. Listen to them and do right by them. They need it... okay? Okay. <3