Can’t Attend a Protest? Here’s 5 Ways to Support Black Lives Matter
Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash
On May 25, 2020, an innocent black man named George Floyd was murdered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. While handcuffed and face down in the street, a white police officer knelt of Floyd’s neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds. “I can’t breathe”, were Floyd’s final words…
As the latest in a string of needlessly stolen black lives, we have had enough.
We, being black people of all genders around the world. Enough, being centuries of mistreatment, abuse, invisibility, violence, and gaslighting from the hands of white supremacist systems, institutions, and communities.
In June 2020, protests have rippled across all 50 states and 18 countries (and counting). Activists and allies have leapt into action, into what is one of the most significant moments in civil rights history. Chances are there’s a protest going on in your city right now, but what if attending a protest is not right for you?
Don’t feel guilty; not everyone is meant for the front lines. For trauma survivors, the immunocompromised, and those with sensory processing sensitivities, taking part in a protest might be endangering and triggering. This is 100% okay, as taking care of yourself should always be a priority. There are, thankfully, other ways to support Black Lives Matter that are just as effective as protesting:
1. Donate
If you’re able to donate, consider giving money to the following charities and organizations. Every dollar counts, no matter the amount.
Black Lives Matter
Founded in 2013 in response to the acquittal of Trayvon Martin’s murderer, Black Lives Matter works to eradicate white supremacy and combat violence against black communities in the US, UK, and Canada.
Official George Floyd Memorial Fund
A gofundme created by the family of George Floyd. Donations will go towards funeral and burial costs, trauma and grief counseling, and any legal, travel, and lodging expenses. A portion of the funds will also go towards caring for surviving members of the Floyd family.
Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC)
Founded in 1971 by two civil rights lawyers, the SPLC combats hate by monitoring hate and extremist groups, advocating for vulnerable communities, and helping educators teach students to be active participants in a diverse society.
Know Your Rights Camp
Founded by civil rights activist and football quarterback, Colin Kaepernick, Know Your Rights Camp works to elevate black and brown communities through the power of education, leadership development, and self-empowerment.
2. Support Black-Owned Businesses and Creators
Donated to the above and still got money to burn? Support the black community by patronizing black-owned businesses in your local community and online.
Additionally, don’t forget to support black creators. Share and promote their content. Watch movies made by black directors. Subscribe to black content creators on YouTube and Instagram. Listen to black artists. Read books by black authors.
If you’re a white or non-black POC ally, choose to mute yourself on social media. Doing so gives space and visibility to black voices, voices that are normally suppressed by racially biased social media algorithms.
3. Inform Yourself
White and non-black POC readers, are you thinking of asking your black friends to explain racism?
Don’t.
Just as it’s not an abuse survivor’s job to forgive their abuser, it’s not your black friends’ job to educate you about injustice from the hands of white people.
There are many ways for white allies to educate themselves about the history of racism and civil rights in the US; start your anti-racist journey with a list of books, films, and recordings.
4. Vote
When elections season rolls around, turn up to your local polling site and vote. It’s possible to dismantle America’s white supremacist policies and remove representatives who choose to remain complicit in the oppression of black communities…but you have to vote!
If you haven’t registered to vote, do it now. No excuses.
5. Find Your Path
Not everyone is meant for the front lines, especially if it means endangering your mental and physical health (the pandemic is not over). If in search for personal ways to get involved with Black Lives Matter, use your imagination to find the path meant for you – compose a song, a poem, a drawing, an informative blog post…
There are infinite creative ways to advocate for black communities and channel your emotions. Whatever you do, just don’t stay silent.
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