Black Lives Matter

Today’s post is all about the Black Lives Matter movement. Since taking part in the Amplifying Melanated Voices movement on Instagram, I’ve been spending a lot of time educating myself, sharing petitions, donating and listening to different perspectives on this topic.

In that time, I have come across a lot of useful information on the meaning behind the movement and how to support it. As I’ve learnt so much, I decided it would be a good idea to make a full blog post summarising all of the important information and resources, so that we all have a place to refer back to, when wanting guidance on how to support this movement.

Please note this isn’t an exhaustive list and there are many other ways to support and educate yourselves in relation to this movement, but the things I’ve listed below are a good start!

Background

Just in case you’re somehow completely unaware of the BLM movement and what it stands for, I thought I’d share a little summary written by @fortheblacklives on Instagram, to get you up to speed.

The Black Lives Matter movement originated in the African-American community. It is a global human rights movement that fights against brutality and racism towards black people.

The world has been tackling this issue of racism, slavery and oppression for over four centuries. Progress has been made, as now black people are allowed to vote, star in Hollywood movies, have the right to education and have access to transportation etc.

One of the essential objectives of the movement for black lives is to advance a democratic rule system that is progressively illustrative of black societies in the United States. More of their goals consist of community engagement throughout electoral processes, educating people on issues that are most impactful and promoting voter registration.

Why not All Lives Matter?

When #BlackLivesMatter is used, it does not mean that other lives don’t matter. Black lives are simply in more jeopardy compared to others and therefore it’s important to raise awareness of the dangers they face.

Police Brutality on Black Lives: the Stats

• US police killed 1,099 people in 2019 – 24% of those killed were Black people, despite them only making up 13% of the population
• Black people are 3x more likely to be killed by the police than white people
• Black people are 1.3x more likely to be unarmed compared to white people
• 99% of killings by police from 2013-2019 have not resulted in officers being charged with a crime

Education

In the time I’ve been learning about this movement, I’ve come across a lot of content which educates on anti-blackness, systematic oppression, privilege and the role we all play in upholding systems of white supremacy. Below I’ve listed some books, films and podcasts which I really suggest you commit some time each week to either reading, listening or watching. We can only help and do our part in supporting our black friends, once we actually understand the suffering they have endured for centuries.

Books

Black Feminist Thought – Patricia Hill Collins

Heavy: An American Memoir – Kiese Laymon

How To Be An Antiracist – Ibram X. Kendi

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings – Maya Angelou

I’m Still Here: Black Dignity In A World Made For Whiteness – Austin Channing Brown

Redefining Realness – Janet Mock

Just Mercy – Bryan Stevenson

So You Want to Talk About Race – Ijeoma Oluo

White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism

Films

13th – Ava Duvernay

American Son – Kenny Leon

Dear White People – Justin Simien

See You Yesterday – Stefon Bristol

When They See Us – Ava Duvernay

Podcasts

1619

About Race

Code Switch

The Diversity Gap

Intersectionality Matters!

Momentum: A Race Forward Podcast

Pod For The Cause

Pod Save the People

Supporting Black-Owned Brands

Along with educating ourselves on this topic, it’s also important to show our support to Black business owners. Therefore, I have compiled a list of Black-Owned businesses in various different categories below.

Food & Drink

Chika’s Foods

Berry and Brie Grazing

Yard Confectionary

Cabby’s Rum

Beauty & Haircare Brands

Liha Beauty

BeautyStack

Bouclème

Afrocenchix Hair

The Afro Hair and Skin Company

Home & Lifestyle

Prick: cacti and plant care

La Basketry: homeware

Bonita Ivie: stationery and design

Reset Travel: travel cards and workshops

Bespoke Binny: homeware

Donations

If you’re in a position to, donations are always a great way to actively support movements like this one. There are a lot of different funds you could donate to which focus specifically on racial justice, including the few I’ve listed below.

Minnesota Freedom Fund: community-based nonprofit that pays criminal bail and immigration bonds for individuals that have been arrested while protesting police brutality.

Black Visions Collective: a Black, trans and queer-led organisation that is committed to dismantling systems of oppression and violence, & shifting the public narrative to create transformative, long-term change.

Reclaim the Block: coalition that advocates and invests in community-led safety initiatives in Minneapolis neighbourhoods.

Campaign Zero: online platform and organisation that utilises research-based policy solutions to end police brutality in America.

Unicorn Riot: a nonprofit organisation that is dedicated to exposing root causes of dynamic social and environmental issues.