The year 2020 is shaping up to be one we will never forget. What started with a pandemic, launched into the country rallying against the violent truth of police brutality. With protests happening around the world, there has been progress, but the fight against racism requires meaningful action by each of us. If you haven’t yet, it’s time to make a plan on how to make anti-racism a part of your life moving forward.
It’s okay if you can’t protest physically right now. This is an issue that didn’t just begin with the murder of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, or Ahmaud Arbery, and it won’t end when the protesting does. The most important thing is to keep the momentum going and to commit to an ongoing fight against racism.
Here are some other things you can do (and keep doing):
Donate, donate, donate.
Larger corporations like Black Lives Matter and Color of Change are important, but think about also setting up a monthly donation to a few smaller organizations as well. Local bailout funds are always in need, as are memorial funds.
Post on social.
Whatever your social media platform of choice is, no matter how many followers you have, you have a voice. That is your platform. Share where you’re donating and share what you and your friends see at protests. Use this space to share and amplify Black voices, stories, and experiences.
Educate yourself & speak up.
If you are white, you have the privilege of not being a victim of racial microaggressions. Educate yourself on white privilege and the history of racial oppression by reading about and listening to the experiences of others. At work, make sure your Black coworkers are heard. Do not let them be tokenized or ignored. Fight for a diverse workplace and re-examine your hiring process to eliminate implicit bias, and promote diversity and inclusion. Ask questions. Pay attention.
Have hard conversations with family and yourself.
Take the time to explain to someone you know why All Lives Matter is empty and racist. Explain why Blue Lives Matter is not the point. Call out the fact that even having a conversation about whether or not a life matters is white supremacy. Understand that change is uncomfortable but is the responsibility of each and every one of us.
Lastly, watch this video.
