Black Lives Matter

The Department of Anthropology supports the Black Lives Matter movement and the uprisings triggered by the murders of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and George Floyd. We share in the anger against state-sanctioned, racialized violence, and against the militarized responses to those protesting against that violence. We acknowledge the trauma and outrage that our Black students, faculty, and staff are currently feeling. The depth of that anger and the injustices underlying it are powerfully expressed by activist and author, Kimberly Jones.  

It will take sustained efforts to dismantle hundreds of years of systematic racism and Anthropology is a part of this vital work.  Our students at San Francisco State University represent the most diverse and socially progressive generation, and we support their efforts to help create a more just society. As anthropologists, we continue to confront structural violence and we are committed to supporting you. The Department is beginning conversations about developing our program's work around racial justice. These will be ongoing, but will include a stronger focus on activism and BLM in a number of your Fall classes. 

We encourage all of our students to stay politically informed and active. We stand beside you in solidarity for social justice.

The Department of Anthropology      

For Those Directly Affected

• The Black Unity Center can provide support and has events planned. You can follow them on Instagram.

• Counseling and Psychological Services

• Contact the Dean-On-Call program if you need assistance in accessing University resources

• The  Anti Police-Terror Project is an Oakland-based coalition dedicated to supporting those directly impacted by police abuses. Follow them on Twitter and consider a donation.

For Anthropologists

• Statement from the Association of Black Anthropologists

• Statement from the Society for Cultural Anthropology

• Resources from the American Anthropological Association

• Statements from the American Association of Physical Anthropologists and link to the committee on diversity. 

• The American Public Health Association has many resources on issues, policy, and advocacy relevant to social justice.

For Protesters

• Critical Stress Help is a tip sheet for journalists and is also useful for those experiencing critical stress incidents during protests. 

• Protest safety tips from Amnesty International

• Protests and legal rights from the ACLU

• Bail Funds or make a donation

For Allies 

• Ways to show up for Racial Justice

• Places to donate in support of Black Lives Matter

• If you’re white, pass the mic

• What White people can do