I can’t believe it’s June 1st, we are still in quarantine and it’s the start of my birthday month. I had a completely different blog post prepared for today but as with everything in life, things changed. I’m sure you all have heard about the recent murder of the unarmed Black man, George Floyd, by 4 police officers in Minnesota. I’m also sure you have seen how this has been a catalyst for a major outcry in the black community through protest. I am not here to give more play by play action of what is going on. What I do want to provide, is a comprehensive list in ways that you (someone of any race by mostly white people) can be a positive force in the movement and help us (black people) realize true and lasting change.
So here goes…
- Instead of criticizing the people’s outcry, seek to understand why they are crying
Do your research. Google. Make yourself fully aware of the injustices that black people have been going through for centuries at the hands of white people. From that research, I hope you can understand a bit more why the community is in such an uproar. (Here’s a head start, watch this video) Here are also some books you can start with to help you along the way:
White Fragility
Americanah
Me and White Supremacy - Donate – put your money where your mouth is…
They’re various outlets where you can donate to further help the cause (please be careful and do research if you aren’t familiar with the organization). Their mission is not only to help get justice for George Floyd but to make this a true movement and help perpetuate a true shift in our institutionalized racist society.
Here are a just a couple to get you started:
George Floyd Memorial Fund
National Bail out Fund
Minnesota Freedom Fund
Black Lives Matter - Sign a petition or two
This may seem like a small step but showing solidarity by signing a petition to help get laws passed and governments to take action is an integral part of the movement.
Here are a few petitions in particular you should consider signing
1. The Defunding of Police Department
2. Justice for George Floyd
3. NAACP - Make a call or text
-Call the DA, Mike Freeman in Minnesota 612-348-5500 and demand prosecution of the 4 policemen involved in Floyd’s death
-Text ‘FLOYD’ to 55156
-Text ‘JUSTICE’ to 668336
-Text ‘ENOUGH’ to 55165 - Be an Ally
Check in on your Black friends. Talk to your friends and family about their racist or bias actions. Educate yourself (and your family and friends) about Black issues. Confront overt and not so overt racism. Check your privilege. Support (financially) black businesses, creatives and professionals. Stand and speak up to racial injustices. - Do the work and take Action!
The previous 5 are basically the action but I’d also like to talk about the internal work (within yourselves) that needs to be done. Racism in this country has been passed down for many many generations, to a point where it’s engrained in very psyche and fabric of White American society. This is the opportunity to take a long hard look at yourself and see how your thought and actions have perpetuated or been complacent to racism and do the work to change those thought processes and actions.
I’ll leave you with some great instagram accounts to follow that will give you more information and help you on your path to helping the movement.
@r29unbothered
@blklivesmatter
@naacp
@shaunking (I know he’s controversial but definitely worth a follow for his wealth of knowledge)
@ckyourpriveledge
If you have any thoughts or resources that I could add please feel free to write them in the comments.
