Billy Bragg stopped by The Royale tavern for an impromptu benefit show to raise money and gather food for the families of Ferguson who have been impacted by the unrest and events of the several days. Organized in a matter of hours, Billy spoke and played to a packed house.

A few words written here cannot begin to express the overwhelming heartbreak we have felt during these days now known across the world as the Michael Brown shooting.

Our entire St. Louis region has been deeply affected in one way or another and will continue to be affected for days, months, years to come.

What happens next is up to us, as a friend, stranger, family member and, most importantly, as a community.

We can do a little, or we can do a lot. It is our hope that we do a lot.

People are asking: “What can we do? How can we help?”

We’ve asked around and here are a few ways (for now):
Continued presence for peaceful protests
Support the kids — libraries are being used for the schools while classes are cancelled and education. Counseling services will be needed.
The Ferguson community will need support for a long time. Anything from stopping in with a friend for lunch at a neighborhood restaurant to supporting the community farmer's market.
Start a conversation with people you may or may not know. Maybe that means getting outside of your comfort zone in some way.
Donate — to a food pantry or a nonprofit that helps people in Ferguson. Call 2-1-1 (or 800-427-4626) to find an organization to donate to.
This article outlines some organizations and groups, from libraries and foodbanks to churches and memorial funds that are helping.
Thank you to those who are already helping, will now help and for those of you having a conversation, you have our respect and gratitude.

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