The Maine Dems unequivocally believe that Black Lives Matter. We recognize that substantial action is necessary to address systemic racism and violence, both here in Maine and across the nation. This page is intended as a guide to resources for community members and allies. If any information on this page is inaccurate, needs updating, or you have any other concerns you want to voice, please email us at info@mainedems.org or fill out this anonymous feedback form.

ACT

Take Action Safely.

If you are participating in protests, remember to wear a mask at all times and do your best to maintain a safe social distancing radius of 6’ around yourself. COVID-19 is disproportionately impacting Black, Indigenous, and People Of Color in Maine and it’s all of our responsibility to help keep all Maine residents safe and healthy.

Protest.

This list is actively curated and is being consistently updated. Check back frequently!

Saturday, July 12 at 2pm in Augusta: BLM Protest of Augusta, ME. Organizers write, "The fight to end systemic racism and police brutality continues. We call to bring justice to recent lives lost due to racism through the nation and excessive use of force by those sworn to protect and serve. We demand defunding of police and prisons in order to fund education, housing and healthcare, an end to qualified immunity and removal of SRO’s from our schooling systems."
Friday, August 28 at 7pm: The Black National Convention. This convention is about "Building Power & Policy in Defense of Black Lives".

Before you go, learn your rights as a protestor from the ACLU, follow civil disobedience best practices developed by ACT UP NY, and review the DNC’s Organizing Resources.

If you find yourself needing legal assistance, please see this tweet by Tina Neadeau (aka Tina Heat), the Executive Director of the Maine Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. They have dozens of criminal defense attorneys who want to help.

Honor.

Nominate a Black or Brown hero as part of the new Vision 2020 project by the Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine. HHRC is seeking to push back against White-centric tellings of Maine’s history by elevating the stories of Black and Brown Mainers and their substantial contributions to the state. The deadline for nominations is July 14th.

Vote.

Read Stacey Abrams: I Know Voting Feels Inadequate Right Now. Maine’s Primary Election is on July 14th, and the General Election is on November 3rd. To learn about your voting rights, visit VoteInMaine.com.

SUPPORT

Buy.

Before your next purchase take a look at this directory of Black-owned businesses, maintained by Black Owned Maine. You can also find Black Owned Maine on Facebook.

You can also check out blackownedeverything.co and register any missing Black-owned businesses there!

Engage.

These are some organizations led by and/or serving BIPOC Maine people. These organizations are not necessarily affiliated with the Maine Democratic Party.

ACLU Maine: Website | Facebook

Black Girl in Maine: Website | Facebook

Capital Area New Mainers Project: Website | Facebook

Empower the Immigrant Woman: Facebook

For Us, By Us Fund: Website | Facebook

Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project (ILAP): Website | Facebook

Immigrant Welcome Center: Website | Facebook

King Fellows: Facebook

Maine Equal Justice Partners: Website | Facebook

Maine Immigrant and Refugee Services: Website | Facebook

Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition: Website | Facebook | Helpful guide to organizations within MIRC ecosystem.

Maine Initiatives: Website | Facebook