Take Action


Demand justice for the murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd, among countless others

This month alone, the horrific and unjust murders of three black lives have drawn national attention in the U.S. — and these are only some of the ones that were caught on camera. Systemic police violence also took a victim in Brazil, when Rio de Janeiro police killed 14-year-old João Pedro, a black boy. These murders result from systemic racism and a culture of over-policing that is ever present in our society. The same forces of oppression exist within scientific, academic, and research communities, reinforcing ideas around who does and does not belong in science. 

Structural racism doesn’t start or stop with police - white women have a long history of weaponizing their status and privilege to bring violence on communities of color. Look no further than earlier this week, as a white woman threatened Christian Cooper, a black birder in NYC, with police violence, while he was engaged in the work of exploration and discovery.

We must fight for justice for Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and too many other black lives lost due to widespread, systemic, anti-black racism. But beyond demanding accountability, we must join the fight against structural racism. These race-based acts of violence and police brutality are happening amid a global pandemic, which is already disproportionately affecting communities of color in the U.S. — and in other countries around the world — due to the ways in which racism has affected access to healthcare, housing, income inequality, and more.  

Here are some ways to join the fight:

DONATE if you have the financial means, consider supporting

For João Pedro

CALL elected officials and demand change

For George Floyd

For Ahmaud Arbery 

  • RunwithMaud.com

  • Call 770-800-0689 and they will dial all the numbers for you and talk you through what to say. 

For Breonna Taylor 

EDUCATE Yourself 

“One either allows racial inequities to persevere—as a racist—or confronts racial inequities—as an antiracist. There is no in-between safe space of ‘not racist.’ The claim of ‘not racist’ neutrality is a mask for racism.”
— Ibram X. Kendi, How to Be an Antiracist

  1. First and foremost, do not rely on communities of color to explain the significance or impacts of what is happening or solely respond to these daily injustices.

  2. Explore these Anti-Racism Resources

  3. Check out a book from this Anti-Racist Reading List by Ibram X. Kendi (author of "How to Be an Antiracist")

  4. Amplify the voices of black scientists #BlackAndSTEM

  5. Follow, support, and amplify Data for Black Lives


Photo by Sticker You on Unsplash

500 Women Scientists is on its way to becoming a powerful organization representing the voices of tens of thousands of women scientists all over the globe. With your gift we can pay for the vital infrastructure we need. Plus, your donations help keep 500WS resources free and open, one less barrier to women in science.