I will be honest. I am probably ill-equipped to write this post about how you can support racial justice and racial equality. But I’m going to try anyway.
Why?
Because for too long, I’ve been a part of the problem.
My white privilege and ignorance, or even worse, my silence when many other atrocities against black people have transpired, has made me complicit in the systemic racism that exists in this country.
I am truly sorry for that.
I no longer want to be a part of the problem, I want to be part of the solution. It is clear to me that I have much to learn in the fight against racism and this is only the beginning.
Over the past two weeks, I’ve posted a bit on social media, but mostly, I’ve listened, read, watched, unlearned, acknowledged, and learned.
And this is what I’ve distilled from all of that.
The work I need to do (and you might need to do as well) starts within. It’s about soul-searching and coming to terms with the fact that the way we’ve been living our lives (we, meaning white people), wrapped up in white privilege, can no longer be the way we live in the future. If we truly want to support racial justice and fight for racial equality, we must change deep-seated beliefs, and we must take action.
We need to do more than give lip service to the systemic racism that exists in this country. We need to work towards dismantling a system built entirely on prejudice.
So how do we begin?
Below are some of the steps I’m taking now to learn, grow, and take action to support people of color and the Black Lives Matter movement.
My sincere hope is that many of you are already way ahead of me in this process.
But, if like me, you realize that while you would never consider yourself racist, you also haven’t acknowledged that there’s a fundamental problem with the systems in place, then you might find these resources helpful.
How to Support Racial Justice and Racial Equality:
Shows and Films to Watch:
- 13th (You can screen this for free right now on Youtube)
- When They See Us
- I am Not Your Negro
- Dear White People
- Just Mercy
Podcasts to Listen to:
- 1619 Podcast, Part of the 1619 Project from The New York Times Magazine
- Unlocking Us – Brené Brown with Ibram X. Kendi on How to Be an Antiracist
- Here to Slay on Luminary
- At the Intersection with Brian Kennedy and Marion Johnson
Books to Read:
- White Fragility by Robin J. DiAngelo (I’m listening to the audio version of this now)
- How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
- Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
- Me and White Supremacy by Layla F. Saad
- Women, Race, & Class by Angela Y. Davis
- So You want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
Black Owned Businesses You Can Support:
- Lee and Low Books – America’s largest children’s book publisher specializing in diversity
- Brain Lair Books – Check out their comprehensive list of anti-racist books
- Paige’s Candle Co – A NY based business donating a portion of every purchase to City Harvest (I just bought a candle and can’t wait for it to arrive)
- Sika – Clothing inspired by the rich and diverse culture of Ghana, West Africa
- The Zen Succulent – Created by a mother/daughter team in Durham, North Carolina
- Cindy Liebel – Contemporary, handcrafted jewelry inspired by mid-century design
- Bole Road Textiles – Designed in Brooklyn and handwoven in Ethiopia
- Home By Be – Designer curated textiles, lighting and accent decor
- Trade Street Jam Co – Low sugar, vegan jams, with pick-up available if you live in NYC
Donate to These Organizations to Support Racial Justice:
- American Civil Liberties Union
- Black Lives Matter
- Black Visions Collective
- Color of Change
- NAACP Legal Defense Fund
- National Bail Fund Network
- National Police Accountability Project
Aside from the above, the Strategist in NY Magazine has put together a comprehensive list of 135 ways to Donate in Support of Black Lives and Communities of Color.
Vote to Support Racial Justice and Racial Equality
I truly believe that one of the best ways we can orchestrate change at the systemic level is by voting for people who are aligned with this mission.
We’ve seen how much damage President Trump has done in less than 4 years of his presidency. So, imagine how much good we could do if we elect people into office who actually care about doing the work for their constituents, creating policies and laws that make sense, and are equal and fair for all.
Here is How You Can Get Involved with the Upcoming Elections
Before you do anything else, if you are a citizen, make sure you register to vote in time for the general elections in November 2020. Learn more about the deadlines in your state here.
And because of ongoing issues with COVID-19, it’s worth checking to see if your state is going to allow mail-in voting or absentee ballot voting for the 2020 presidential election. Check out this government site for more info.
If you want to get more involved with elections outside of your city and state, Votesaveamerica has launched its ‘adopt a state’ initiative. Pick a battleground state (you don’t have to live there) and they will provide you with the tools and resources to flip that state in November.
These are the States Democrats are hoping to flip for the Presidential election:
Arizona, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Michigan, Florida
Also at stake is the Senate. The Democrats need to win at least 3 seats to retake the Senate. However, Democrat Doug Jones is likely to lose his seat in Alabama, so that really means 4 seats.
Below are the 10 senate seats most likely to flip. Consider donating to one of the following campaigns:
Alabama: Doug Jones (D)
Arizona: Mark Kelly (D)
Colorado: John Hickenlooper (D)
Georgia: Rev. Raphael Warnock (Dems Backing)
Iowa: Theresa Greenfield (D)
Kentucky: Amy McGrath (D -going up against Mitch McConnell)
Maine: Sara Gideon (D)
Michigan: Gary Peters (D)
Montana: Steve Bullock (D)
North Carolina: Cal Cunningham (D)
South Carolina: Jaime Harrison (D)
How Will You Support Racial Justice, Equality, and The Black Lives Matter Movement?
Some day, when we look back on the last two weeks of protests and demonstrations, we could consider it a watershed moment in our country’s history. But ultimately, that’s up to all of us.
This next chapter of our country is in the balance, and it depends on what we do now. Will you take a stand and demand justice? Will you take the necessary actions to incite change?
I hope so.
One thing’s for sure. I’m ready to help make the United States, and this world, a better place for all of us.
Did you find the resources in this post helpful? If so, please share it with your friends and community. Take action now to start making a difference!
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