In moments like this it is important to take listen and action. It is important to understand how the current protests and demand for change, (highlighted by the latest deaths of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd & many others) is not new but deeply rooted in many many years of racial inequality in our country and learn how we can (and must) correct these injustices.
There are several resources out there that can educate us on how to strive for impactful and long lasting change. I have compiled many resources to help us during these times and will work to keep it updated as much as possible. I truly thank all the sources who have taken time to create/spread these resources.
1. KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
We want to strive for racial unity but cannot do so without acknowledging the past and current injustices that are fueled by racism, hate, discrimination, anti-blackness, and violence. This starts by educating ourselves and others to recognize these acts of discrimination and learning how to speak up and help. Amplify your knowledge, use and share it with others to also allow them to recognize the problem this country has. Read, watch and share. *Note some include direct links!
Books/Articles to read:
- White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk about Racism
- I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness
- The Fire Next Time
- The Third Option: Hope for a Racially Divided Nation
- Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People
- Myths about physical racial differences were used to justify slavery — and are still believed by doctors today.
- Have Black Lives Ever Mattered?
- Me and White Supremacy: Combat Racism, Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor
- Addressing Law Enforcement Violence as a Public Health Issue
- Woke Church: An Urgent Call for Christians in America to Confront Racism and Injustice
- Tears We Cannot Stop: A Sermon to White America
- Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America
- Racial Reconciliation, the Gospel, and the Church (Article by Jarvin J Williams)
- Small Great Things
- When They Call You a Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Memoir
- The Hate You Give
- Bloodlines: Race, Cross, and the Christian
- Racial Reconciliation Sermon by Pastor Michael Todd (Video Transformation Church) provides verses and stories from the bible on racial issues, as well as ways to understand how to be helpful and godly, and what to do as Christians in current time)
- How to Make this Moment the Turning Point for Real Change (Please read this article by President Obama which also includes ist many other reports and ways to donate, take action, educate ourselves)
- Anti-Racism for Beginners + White People (A more thorough list of resources)
- 26 ways to be in the struggle if you can’t be in the streets.
- Child Mind Institute Racism + Violence: Helping Kids Handle the News
- Thread on ways elected officials can make change for current situation by President Obama
Movies to watch:
- When They See Us
- Let the Fire Burn
- I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO
- Ferguson: A report from occupied territory
- Do Not Resist
- The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson
- Compilation of YouTube videos highlighting Black voices/Black History
- Explained: the racial health gap
- Dear White People
- Time: The Kalief Browder story
- Hello, privilege. It’s me Chelsea.
2. TAKE ACTION
In addition to peaceful protests in your community, there are several ways one can take action. From monetary donation to different causes and organizations, supporting families impacted by police brutality, supporting small businesses impacted by protests, donating masks to those who are protesting, to engaging in conversations with family and friends to promote awareness…etc. Remaining idle is not right. Remaining silent is siding with the oppressor.
Donate to organizations supporting the fight for racial justice:
- Stand up for Racial Justice
- The Action Network
- North Star Health Collective (They also list even more places to donate to)
- Black Lives Matter
- Black Lives Matter: Ways To Help (direct collection of links to where to donate funds for victims)
- Campaign Zero
- Say Her Name Justice for Breonna Taylor
Donate to raise bail funds for protestors:
- Direct link a comprehensive list of places to donate for bail funds
- Another link to bail funds for protestors listed by states
Safely protest:
Black lives matter website has also create a comprehensive list of resources, tips and protection and pro bono lawyers available to safely protest. Please click here. Tread of protestors rights
Support local businesses:
Support local businesses affected by current situations. Racism is also systematic. In order to successfully dismantle racial injustices we have to be aware of how racism affects us in the many aspects of life, including disparities in distribution of wealth. That means also supporting your local and black businesses. Also reason to why I did not link the books included, to encourage us all to try and find them in our local bookstores! Thread of Black-owned bookstores
Here are gathered lists of small businesses we can support during these times. Please click here and here.
Sign Petitions
Black Lives Matter link to several Petitions to Sign
Other ways to be supportive
- Say Her Name Justice for Breonna Taylor
- Demand Accountability from House of Representatives
- Spotify has been highlighting great amount of Podcasts to listen to highlighting black history and the significance of #blacklivesmatter movement, along with music by black artists. Many influencers and companies are taking time to highlight and hire black creators who are so undervalued in many industries. Every institution, brand who has made a statement should show that support through concrete actions. Let us demand that from them. #pullup.
- Ayanna Pressley Demand for Action: Sign resolution to condemn police brutality, racial profiling, and the use of excessive force.
3. VOTE
Voting matters. A LOT. The people we vote for at the city, state, and federal level ALL have an impact on the progress of our country. Therefore with the intent of making the goals for this movement last, we must VOTE. Know when your city and states are holding election and participate.
- Voter registration link
- More information on voter registration
- More resources for black voters
- Follow and find more voting resources with Rock the Vote
4. LISTEN, SHARE, RAISE AWARENESS
Being a good person is not enough, learning and not sharing is not enough, being anti-racism but not actively involving yourself to challenge your implicit bias and the racism you may experience around you is not enough. We must listen, we must recognize the plight racism and police brutality have created in our society, we must share our knowledge with others and work to change ourselves and the community around us. If we can all individually even just change one heart that makes a difference. Reflect and change the narrative, start with yourself, your family, your friends, your community. Speak up.
5. TAKE CARE OF YOUR HEALTH
These times are particularly hard and being in the middle of a pandemic does not make it any better. We must rest so we don’t burnout and take care to protect our health, physically and mentally. We are still in the middle of pandemic therefore please continue to wear masks, wash your hands frequently, sanitize your cell phones and items, carry a hand sanitizer, maintain social distancing when possible.
- Self-Care Tips for Black People Who Are Struggling With This Very Painful Week
- 7 Virtual Mental Health Resources Supporting Black People Right Now
- “Thread on how you can protect your energy and calm your anxiety during this time”
This list is NOT exhaustive, just a place to start. Many more resources are available. I will keep this updated as much as possible.
DEEPEST THOUGHTS 