Protecting Your Rights: Serving Sand Lake, Spenard and Turnagain

June 5, 2020

In this issue:

• AK CARES Grant Applications

• Protests Against Police Brutality and Racism

• Community Events

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

If your small business was unable to obtain federal COVID-19 relief, the State of Alaska has partnered with Credit Union 1 to help out. Applications are being accepted for grants up to $100,000.

AK CARES Statewide Grant Applications for Business and Nonprofits

This week, the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development and the Alaska Industrial Development Export Authority's small business grant program started accepting applications.

To apply and learn more about who is eligible, click here for the application and checklist. Note, a business needs to complete a copy of the business grant application, provide a copy of their current business license, have a Credit Union 1 business account, and have a completed list of “eligible expenses.”

Click here for more details.

Protests Against Police Brutality and Racism in the United States

Following the killing of George Floyd in police custody on May 25, protests against police brutality have surged nation-wide. On Saturday, hundreds gathered at Town Square and the Midtown Mall to participate in peaceful protests. Jasmin Smith, a community activist who organized one of the Anchorage protests, said that the group stood in solidarity with Floyd and other people of color affected by systemic racism, including missing and murdered indigenous women.

I stand with former presidents, activists, law enforcement officials, and countless others in condemning the Minneapolis officers' use of restraint against a non-combative Floyd and, more generally, condemning systemic racism in the United States. If you are interested in getting involved and joining the conversation surrounding racial inequity in Alaska and beyond, these resources serve as a good starting point:

ACLU Alaska's "Know Your Rights" during a protest
Former president Obama's "Anguish and Action" resource page
Trevor Noah's thoughts on the murder of George Floyd and racial injustice in the U.S.
The New Yorker's "The Death of George Floyd, In Context"
Alaska Black Business Directory

Community Events

Mark your calendars for this upcoming event:

ICantBreathe Community Fundraiser & First Friday Exhibit

Akela Space has partnered with ShowDown Productions for an exhibit featuring the works of photographers and protesters from the May 30 #ICantBreathe rally in Anchorage, Alaska. All funds raised will be distributed to Black, Indigenous, POC & LGBTQIA+ organizations actively working against police brutality and fighting for equality.

Masks will be required to enter the space and capacity will be limited.

When: Friday, June 5 at 6:00 PM

Where: Akela Space, 320 W 6th Ave #132F

For more information and to RSVP, visit the Facebook event page.