Since last week, we've watched on as the Black Lives Matter movement has seen more support than ever, and rightfully so. As brands and individuals speak up, it can be hard to know where we fit into the fight against racism. We certainly don't have all of the answers, but it would feel wrong for someone who has a platform such as ours to stay silent.
In this post, we’ve pulled together some resources so that we can all work towards taking affirmative action that will create lasting change. We understand that it can be challenging to find the right words or know what do next, but we should always remember:
Just because you weren't vocal yesterday, it doesn't mean that your voice won't be heard tomorrow.
Here are the petitions that will take less than 1 minute to sign. If you live outside the US and you need a postcode, 90210 is an easy one to remember!
Justice for George Floyd | Justice for Breonna Taylor | Run with Ahmaud Arbery | Justice for Tony McDade | Justice for David McAtee | Justice for Belly Mujinga | Justice for Sheku Bayoh
It's worth mentioning here that there are so many petitions that need our support such as:
- Include white privilege and systemic racism part of the British education course.
- Improve maternal mortality rates and health care for black women in the UK.
- Introduce life sentences for police brutality.
You'll find lots more change-making petitions here.
While financially supporting the cause isn't an option for everyone right now, if you are able to, every penny counts:
- You can support the ongoing fight to end state-sanctioned violence and end white supremacy through Black Lives Matter here.
- You can support Reclaim The Block's movement to defund the Minneapolis Police Department and invest in resources that support black communities here.
- You can support Colin Kaepernick's foundation, Know Your Rights Camp to hire defence attorneys for those arrested for protesting police brutality here.
- You can ensure both frontline heroes and protestors are kept safe during the pandemic and protests by supporting Masks for America here.
- You can support the freedom of the press around the world via The Committee to Protect Journalist here.
- You can help American citizens by supporting Fair Fight, an organisation on a mission to end voter suppression by electing more progressive voices in the US here.
- If you’re unable to donate, you can contribute by streaming this YouTube video created by Olivia Grey.
You'll also find plenty of reputable organisations that will benefit from your donations here. Remember, as well as seeking financial contributions, these organisations need us to actively engage with them, not just now, but from here on out.
If you're done signing petitions, and you're ready to get educated, there are plenty of books, movies and documentaries and podcasts that will help you to understand racism in all its forms.
If you're looking for online resources, check out:
75 Things White People Can Do For Racial Justice by Corinne Shutack
Why Is This Happening? An Introduction To Police Brutality by 100-year Hoodie
Resources For Us To Learn and Talk About Race and Racism by Nicola Carpenter
6 Ways to be Antiracist by Mashable
If you'd prefer to read a book, a good place to start is:
‘Me and White Supremacy’ by Layla F.Saad
‘I am Not Your Baby Mother’ by Candice Brathwaite
‘Raising Our Hands’ by Jenna Arnold
‘Sister Outsider’ by Audre Lorde
‘Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race’ by Reni Eddo-Lodge
Public Address On Revolution: Revolution Now by Rachel Cargle
13th available on Netflix by Ava DuVernay
When They See Us on Netflix by Ava DuVernay
Dear White People on Netflix by Justin Simien and Njeri Brown
The Hate U Give on Hulu by Fox
I am Not Your Negro on Amazon by Raoul Peck
1619 by The New York Times
Momentum: A Race Forward Podcast by Chevon and Hiba
Intersectionality Matters by Kimberlé Crenshaw
Pod Save the People by Crooked Media
The Nod by Gimlet
Brené with Ibram X. Kendi on How to Be an Antiracist from Brené Brown’s Unlocking Us series.
Being antiracist goes far beyond sharing some sentiments on social media, as no matter how good-intentioned they might be, without action, they mean nothing. What really counts, is what we’re doing behind the scenes to make the world a fairer place. From speaking up when it counts to supporting the organisations doing incredible work and all that needs to happen in between, the change starts now.