MEAWW.COM / NEWS / HUMAN INTEREST

Breonna Taylor's aunt raises $600K in GoFundMe campaign, Internet says 'donations don't equal justice but help’

The fundraiser has been organized by Bianca Austin, aunt of Breonna on behalf of Tamika Palmer, who is Breonna’s mother

A GoFundMe fundraiser to help Breonna Taylor's family fight for justice has raised over $600k. It has been organized by Bianca Austin, aunt of Breonna on behalf of Tamika Palmer who is Breonna’s mother. The fundraiser mentioned being thankful to supporters, “The community has been reaching out in support of Bree’s family and wanting to donate to the cause. First off, we are SO THANKFUL for EVERYONE standing up for justice and saying her name! We’re not stopping until we truly get justice! All of you are such a blessing! It’s amazing!”

It further added, “Second of all, we are thankful for the offers for donations. My sister and niece are too proud to say it, but this is a tough fight and it does take a toll. They’re both hard workers and they’re missing out on some work (and sleep!) in this fight for justice.”
 
The fundraiser does not expect everyone to donate but acknowledges that people raising voices against injustice is powerful. “We do not expect anyone to donate to this cause; your voices are being heard and that alone is so powerful! But because of all the calls and the overwhelming generosity, I have set up this account for them. You all are a blessing. Thank you so much again for everything! And let’s keep this fight for justice going!”, the fundraiser mentions on its site. 
 
Previously, Bianca Austin said that the crowd-sourcing page was set up to help pay for expenses that have burdened her sister and niece(Breonna). “The community has been reaching out in support of Bree’s family and wanting to donate to the cause. First off, we are SO THANKFUL for EVERYONE standing up for justice and saying her name! We’re not stopping until we truly get justice! All of you are such a blessing! It’s amazing!
 
The fundraiser comes in the backdrop of the death of Breonna, a Black medical worker who was shot and killed by Louisville police officers on March 13, 2020, during a botched raid on her apartment. This led to mass demonstrations this year. As the case drew more attention, on September 23, a jury indicted former Louisville police officer Brett Hankison for wanton endangerment for his actions during the raid. However, no charges were announced against the other two officers who fired shots on Taylor. This raged the people who came on the streets to protest and seek justice for Breonna. 
 
After the fundraiser raised $600k, the Internet started to share it so more people can contribute. A user wrote, “This 'Gofundme' is run by her family. please do what you can.” Another concurred sharing the fundraiser, “I can’t donate but I will share”. Another wrote, “Donations don't equal justice but it's a small way to help.”