AIGA Saint Louis wouldn’t be what it is today if it weren’t for our black presidents, vice presidents, board members, and community members. In the last year, we’ve been committed to amplifying these voices in our community, and that certainly won’t stop now.
In support of our black community, AIGA Saint Louis has compiled a list of ways to support black St. Louis business owners, as well as local and national nonprofits dedicated to racial equality and, encourage all our members to use and share these resources.
If you, your organization, or institution benefit the quality of black lives here in STL and are interested in collaborating with AIGA Saint Louis to help support your cause, please email president@stlouis.aiga.org to begin a conversation.⠀
AIGA National List of Resources
AIGA National has compiled a list of national organizations and resources where you can find nonprofits, Black designers, illustrators, and Black-owned design studios to hire and support along with information on ways to engage and take action.
Missouri Bail Funds
One Struggle KC
One Struggle KC is a collective of Kansas City activists seeking to connect the struggles of oppressed Black communities, locally and globally.
KC Community Bail Fund
The KC Community Bail Fund stands in solidarity with the protesters throughout the country seeking justice for the victims of police violence and spreading the message that #blacklivesmatter. Visit their site if you need assistance with bail or to see how you can help the KC Community Bail Fund.
Race Matters, Friends
Race Matters, Friends is a nonprofit group united in the struggle for racial equity in Columbia, Missouri. They nurture conversations and actions about racial equity, racism, and structural inequality in Columbia, Missouri; the United States; and the world.
The Missouri Black Protester Relief Fund
The Missouri Black Protester Relief Fund is intended to provide support for Black/African people detained by police during peaceful protests and supply essential medical plus food supplies.
STL Groups to Support
Action St. Louis
Born out of the Ferguson Uprisings of 2014, Action St. Louis is a grassroots racial justice organization that seeks to build political power for Black communities in the St. Louis region. Action St. Louis builds campaigns that leverage organizing, communications, advocacy and direct action to mitigate harm against our community while fighting for long term transformation.
Close the Workhouse
The Close the Workhouse campaign aims to attack mass incarceration, without legitimizing or justifying the continued caging of people as punishment. They call for the closure of the Medium Security Institute, better known in St. Louis as the Workhouse, an end to wealth based pretrial detention, and the reinvestment of the money used to cage poor people and Black people into rebuilding the most impacted neighborhoods in this region.
Arch City Defenders
ArchCity Defenders (ACD) is a holistic legal advocacy organization that combats the criminalization of poverty and state violence, especially in communities of color. ACD’s foundation of civil and criminal legal representation, social services, impact litigation, policy and media advocacy, and community collaboration achieves and inspires justice and equitable outcomes for people throughout the St. Louis region and beyond.
Queer Trans People of Color
PROMO is Missouri’s statewide organization advocating for LGBTQ equality through legislative action, electoral politics, grassroots organizing, and community education. PROMO Fund promotes equality and protects the human and civil rights of LGBTQ people in Missouri. SAGE of PROMO Fund strives to enhance the quality of life of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender older adults through service, advocacy, and community awareness.
Metro Trans Umbrella Group
There are so many different Transgender support, advocacy, educational, and ally groups here in the metro area, and the Metro Trans Umbrella Group wishes to unite us all. We are such a large community, and with all these resources scattered, it can be difficult to find the much needed information & support. By coming together, we can easily mend the resource gaps and provide community and support for each other. Whether you are a part of another group or are wishing to find a sense of community, MTUG strives to support all individuals that fall under the “Umbrella term” of Trans which includes, but is not limited to: Transsexuals (FtM, MtF), genderqueer, androgynous, agender, intersex, drag, and questioning.
ACLU of Missouri
The ACLU of Missouri defends civil liberties and the principles of equality and justice in Missouri through its litigation, legislative and public education programs. The ACLU was founded in 1920 as the first public interest law firm of its kind, and is recognized as the country’s foremost advocate of individual rights. We base our work largely on the U.S. Constitution, which, along with state and federal laws, protects certain fundamental rights of individuals against the power of the government and will of the majority.
Creative Reaction Lab
Creative Reaction Lab was founded in support of the Uprising in Ferguson. Today, Creative Reaction Lab is building a youth-led, community-centered movement of a new type of Civic Leader: Redesigners for Justice.
Forward Through Ferguson
Forward Through Ferguson (FTF) was established as a 501(c)3 to be a catalyst for lasting positive change in the St. Louis region as outlined in the Ferguson Commission Report. Embracing the Commission’s mandate, FTF centers impacted communities and mobilizes accountable bodies to advance racially equitable systems and policies that ensure all people in the St. Louis region can thrive.
National Non-Profits
Black Visions Collective
Reclaim the Block
Know Your Rights Camp
Minnesota Freedom Fund
George Floyd Memorial Fund
Campaign Zero
Black Lives Matter
Communities United Against Police Brutality
NAACP Legal Defense Fund
American Civil Liberties Union
Local, Black-Owned Businesses
Black-Owned Businesses in St. Louis
Black-Owned Restaurants in St. Louis
Shows/Movies to Watch
13th—documentary on Netflix
Filmmaker Ava DuVernay explores the history of racial inequality in the United States, focusing on the fact that the nation’s prisons are disproportionately filled with African-Americans.
9 movies and shows that explain how America’s justice system got this way
9 powerful shows and documentaries about racial injustice that are essential viewing
8 Essential Shows and Documentaries to Learn About Police Brutality and Racial Justice
Whose Streets?
On Hulu
Podcasts
9 Podcasts That Don’t Whitewash Race
Resources for Families
We Stories
We Stories is available to any family in the St. Louis region with children birth to age 8 that wish to participate. It is designed for families looking to start or strengthen conversations about race and racism.
31 Children’s Books to Support Conversations on Race, Racism, and Resistance
RESilience Uplifting Youth Through Healthy Communication About Race
Supporting Kids of Color in Wake of Racialized Violence
Further Reading
Education Materials from Black Lives Matter
Social Exclusion: The Decisions and Dynamics that Drive Racism
What is Systemic Racism?
St. Louis History in Black and White
