January 14, 2021

#BlackEmergencyIowa TRAVEL ADVISORY AND WHITE SUPREMACIST HOTLINE

In the past several months we, as a nation, have witnessed the consistent escalation of white supremacist violence aimed at altering our current trajectory towards freedom and liberation for all people. The Black Lives Matter and the Black Liberation movements have and will continue to champion this trajectory.

Now, there is a strong possibility of more violence on behalf of right-wing and white nationalist extremists at state capitols in all 50 states next week, including this capital city of Des Moines, IA.

For this reason we are reissuing the #BlackEmergencylA Travel Advisory for all Black lowans. Basic measures include:

• DO NOT travel alone or at night if at all possible

• If you must then make sure to inform someone of where you are going and when you plan to return

• Know your rights (or learn them at aclu.org/know-your-rights)

• Make sure to have an exit plan for any situation you find yourself in.

The DSM Street Medic Corp will activate a hotline for anyone who needs a ride or basic necessities delivered to their home from Jan 16 - 27, 2021. Anyone with tips on white nationalist or white supremacist activity is advised to call the hotline immediately. The number is 515.850.2395.

It is unfortunate that we have to look after ourselves in such a way because our city, state and federal authorities have failed to secure Black communities. But what this state and this nation fail to do for US, people will do for ourselves.

Peace and All Power to All the People.