N.S. Black Lives Matter Fund Aims For $10,000, Raises More Than $250,000
HALIFAX – In the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic, when the economy was just beginning to shut down, a group of community leaders started a gofundme account. The goal was to raise money for Black Nova Scotians who were facing financial pressures.
“It just really started with the idea Covid-19 would have an impact on black individuals living throughout Nova Scotia,” said co-organizer Twila Grosse. “The intention was to support individuals whose lives were impacted.”
“If you look at the types of jobs (in the black community), they’re not necessarily the high corporate-level jobs. In terms of earning power, we’re on a lower scale. That makes things even more difficult even in times of a pandemic.”
Grosse, along with fellow Black Lives Matter Solidarity Fund organizers Lynn Jones, El Jones, and Rachel Zellars, set a modest goal to raise $10,000. Individuals who applied for assistance would receive a one-time $100 payment. Originally, they surpassed their goal and reached $15,000, meaning 150 people were able to get assistance.
But then, in late May, George Floyd was killed by a police officer in the United States triggering worldwide protests. In every city, thousands of people marched and protested, demanding police reform and for political leaders to act against systemic racism.
The movement was certainly felt across Nova Scotia. In early June, thousands of people marched through Halifax in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. It was after this rally was held that Grosse and the other organizers saw a huge spike in donations.
“After they had their big rally in Halifax that attracted over 6,000 people, it just took off,” recalled Grosse.
“We are so thankful and so grateful for all of those who have stepped up and deemed it worthy to donate to this fund and putting a stamp on it and saying, ‘yes, Black lives do matter.’ ”
The momentum has never slowed down. The gofundme campaign has now raised nearly $260,000. Grosse says they will continue to use the funds to help support black Nova Scotians who need financial aid during the pandemic. The leftover money will be used to combat racism in Nova Scotia.
“Right now, we have a goal in mind, in regards to finishing up what we initially started, and that’s support to the black community members.” She said. “After that, we’ll be looking at ways that these funds can actually provide some type of tangible systematic change in Nova Scotia. And what that looks like, honestly, I can’t say at this point.”
“When we’re dealing with public funds, it’s all about accountability; making sure that every single penny is accounted for and accounted for properly, and that there’s transparency.”
Grosse says systemic racism against people of colour can be found everywhere in Nova Scotia, especially in social institutions like health care, education, and the justice system.