Dear Friends,

Spaces of learning, knowledge production, and research have always been the invisible frontlines. Social media newsfeeds and platforms are how we stay informed, connected and organized. Amidst moments of global turmoil, many utilize social media to express concerns and amplify calls to action. As we continue our fight for the freedom of speech, we must also be aware of tactics used to surveil, suppress, and criminalize our movements.

Last month we published a bombshell report outlining the extensive surveillance tactics used by the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington DC. In partnership with the Brennan Center, we obtained over 700,000 pages of documents by leveraging the Freedom of Information Act.

We uncovered how police have used online surveillance tools to monitor social media activity, collect data on individual users and their friend networks, and keep tabs on public protests. For the full report, head to the link below.

At Data for Black Lives, we believe in a world where data is no longer used as a weapon but as a tool for making social repair. Which is why we launched the Movement Scientist Fellowship. I want to personally thank everyone who applied. We got an astounding response, and I mean this when I say that every single application was deserving of support, funding and the resources to fully realize the impact of their projects.

Alongside our rigorous criticism of the status quo, we are also investing in the future we want to see. We are growing our team and we currently have a few open positions. Apply at the link below.

In closing, I offer a reminder. Our right to research and have access to analytical tools and computational power is connected to our right to protest.

Many thanks,

Yeshimabeit

D4BL IS HIRING

Decompress Program Manager

This role is remote, but the candidate must be based in Miami, with regular access to our multi-purpose HQ space. The role involves overseeing a range of dynamic responsibilities from strategic planning to hands-on event management.

Conference Planning Fellow

We are seeking a Conference Fellow to join our team and lead the coordination for all things conference-related. We are seeking an individual who excels at logistics, who is organized, and is a stellar event planner.