We are living in a world of disarray. Violence, murder, racism, sexism, bigotry, disproportionate economic disparity, inequity, and injustice abound. As one person, we can easily feel overwhelmed, powerless, even helpless thinking of how we can take on such mammoth issues that are deeply rooted within our societies.
Some of us seek refuge in the mundanity of our everyday lives and routines and choose to disengage because it’s easiest. It’s easy for some to live their lives in blissful ignorance. But let’s face it, some of us don’t have the privilege of that choice and ultimately the reality is, inaction never resulted in any tangible or impactful change.
Here are some practical actions you can take to demonstrate your support for the Black Lives Matter Movement.
SIGN A PETITION
In the age of technology, signing an online petition is extremely easy to do yet still a very powerful tool of action. Sign one here:
- Justice for George Floyd https://www.change.org/p/jacob-frey-minniapolis-mayor-justice-for-george-floyd?source_location=petitions_browse
- Hands Up Act http://chng.it/vfPYkKgTz2
- Stand with Breonna https://www.standwithbre.com
- We Are Done Dying https://www.naacp.org/campaigns/we-are-done-dying/
- Justice for Ahmuad Arbery https://www.change.org/p/human-rights-campaign-justice-for-ahmuad-aubrey-2
- Justice for Belly Mujinga https://www.change.org/p/govia-thameslink-justice-for-belly-mujinga-justiceforbellymujinga
- National Action Against Police Brutality and Murder https://www.change.org/p/national-action-against-police-brutality-and-murder
- Defund the Police https://blacklivesmatter.com/defundthepolice/
DONATE DIRECTLY
Those who have passed away are not the only victims that exist. They leave behind loved ones who oftentimes need support while they tirelessly fight for justice. Help support them and important organizations fighting on behalf of causes like theirs:
- George Floyd Memorial Fund https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd
- I run with Maud https://www.gofundme.com/f/i-run-with-maud
- Justice for Breonna Taylor https://www.gofundme.com/f/9v4q2-justice-for-breonna-taylor
- David McAtee Memorial Fund https://www.gofundme.com/f/justicefordavidmcatee
- 70+ Bail Funds https://secure.actblue.com/donate/bail_funds_george_floyd
WRITE TO YOUR REPRESENTATIVES
Real change comes at all levels of government. Write, email, or call your representatives and ask them to support and invest in community services, eliminate police racial profiling, limit the use of force or to support criminal justice reform. Find your representatives here:
USA: https://myreps.datamade.us
CANADA: https://openparliament.ca, https://www.elections.ca
PROTEST
Take to the streets in peaceful protest to show support and solidarity.
Know your rights https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/protesters-rights/#i-was-stopped-by-the-police-while-protesting
Notes for white people protesting in support https://www.afsc.org/blogs/acting-in-faith/note-to-self-white-people-taking-part-blacklivesmatter-protests
How to protect yourself and those around you https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/politics/a32735433/how-to-protest-safely-george-floyd-police-coronavirus/
EDUCATE YOURSELF AND STAY INFORMED
Educating yourself is one of the most important and fundamental keys to changing not only your views but helping others in their understanding. Educate yourself on black history and events that have taken place. Stay present and keep up with the news, keeping in mind, not all news sources are trustworthy. Read a book, watch a movie, or listen to a podcast about the plight that black people have endured, created by black activists, authors, leaders, etc. to really get an insight into their lives and what they’ve had to endure in the past and today.
Books To Read: https://www.left-bank.com/sites/left-bank.com/files/Black%20Lives%20Matter%20Reading%20List_0.pdf
Podcasts: About Race, Pod for the Cause, 1619- NY Times, Seeing White, The Diversity Gap
Movies: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/02/01/movies/28-essential-films-black-history-month.html
Television Shows: https://www.netflix.com/ca/browse/genre/81299227?so=su
The History of Black Wall Street: https://www.history.com/news/black-wall-street-tulsa-race-massacre
HAVE DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS
People often tip-toe around the issue of race as it can be difficult to have conversations with those that you oftentimes feel can’t understand you or that you may disagree with. However, it’s through conversations and the sharing of experiences that we can find commonalities and gain understanding, learn new things, grow, and ultimately see things from a different perspective.
When having such conversations, the paramount key is to remain respectful and kind – even if the other party isn’t. There is a beautiful story of a black man that not only invited a Klansman into his home but befriended him and started to attend KKK rallies. He changed the narrative and slowly changed the Klansman’s view of black people – which eventually changed his life. If that’s possible, I think anything is possible.
Watch the story here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORp3q1Oaezw
SUPPORT BLACK OWNED BUSINESSES
Support your local black businesses, sending power back into the community, celebrating black culture, closing the racial wealth gap and fostering the creation of new jobs.
Canada: https://www.afrobiz.ca
CONCLUSION
“What can one person change?” you may ask. One person can ignite a movement. One person can change a mind. One person can educate a generation.
One person can change the world.
Just ask George Floyd.