Here’s How You Can Help Jacob Blake, the Black Father Who Was Shot by Police

Warning: This story discusses police brutality and racial violence.

On Sunday, August 23rd in Kenosha, Wisconsin, another Black man was brutally shot by police. Jacob Blake, the victim of the shooting, is currently hospitalized in serious condition. Blake is a 29-year-old father of six and, according to CNN, three of his children—ages 3, 5, and 8—were in the car watching as police shot him in the back seven times. CNN reports that the police were responding to a 911 call reporting a “domestic incident” and the two unnamed officers on the scene have since been placed on administrative leave.

A video of the violent altercation quickly circulated online, sparking widespread demands for justice—however, many are asking that the footage stop being shared because of its traumatizing and desensitizing effects.

In a statement posted to Twitter, civil rights lawyer Ben Crump, who is representing Blake’s family, wrote, “We all watched the horrific video of Jacob Blake being shot in the back several times by Kenosha police. Even worse, his three sons witnessed their father collapse after being riddled with bullets. Their irresponsible, reckless and inhumane actions nearly cost the life of a man who was simply trying to do the right thing by intervening in a domestic incident. It’s a miracle he’s still alive.”

In response to the shooting on Sunday night, and the many other instances of police violence this year, Black Lives Matter protests have formed and continued in Kenosha (with hundreds also protesting in cities like New York and DC) to demand justice for Blake. Law enforcement has responded with flash bangs, tear gas and rubber bullets, CNN reports.

Check below for more ways to demand justice for Blake, assist his family, and support those fighting in the streets.

Donate:

Justice for Jacob Blake GoFundMe Fundraiser

This GoFundMe was started by Blake’s family to “go toward Jacob’s medical bills, family expenses, legal representation, support for his children and therapy costs.”

Milwaukee Freedom Fund

The Milwaukee Freedom Fund, which was started by Black and Brown Milwaukee organizers, is offering aid to local protesters, including “resources for bail, court-related costs, rides, food, water, and other needs.” You can donate to the fund here.

Sign petitions:

To demand the officers involved in Blake’s shooting be held accountable, sign the Change.org petition here and the Color of Change petition here.

Make calls and send emails:

Make calls and send emails to the contacts below (as compiled by Instagram user @ankita_71) to demand justice for Blake and accountability for the officers involved in shooting him.

• Kenosha Mayor John Antaramian: Call (262) 653-4000 and email [email protected]
• Kenosha District Attorney Michael D. Graveley: Call (262) 653-2400 and email [email protected]
• Kenosha Police Department: Call (262) 656-1234
• Kenosha Police Department Chief of Police Daniel G. Miskinis: Email [email protected]
• WI Attorney General Josh Kaul: Call (608) 266-1221
• WI Governor Tony Evers’: Call (608) 266-1212 and (414) 227-4344