How We Can Help The BLM Movement

I felt like before I could make another normal blog post, I needed to use this platform to be able to help in anyway I can. I've tried to be vocal about my support through my other platforms but the more noise we make, the more we can create awareness, engage in conversation and see change.

I definitely do not want to come across as a spokesperson for the Black community. I acknowledge that I cannot and never will understand the experiences of a Black person, from what they have endured to what is happening right now. Instead, I want to be able to echo the Black community's sentiments in their calls for justice and overall recognition that their lives do matter.

I feel the deepest sadness and anger for any human being to be treated in such ways, but these emotions cannot just be felt, it has to be used to advocate for the Black people. I will continue to recognise, listen and actively educate myself about anti-racism. There are layers after layers of history that is conveniently glossed over and minimised, making education, at this point so important for non-black people. To have the knowledge we will then be able to help out more.

Right now, as an ally, there are a number of ways we can help the Black Lives Matter movement. This is a list of resources I have come by online that I have found helpful and are able to assist with the cause.

Donations

• Black Lives Matter - https://blacklivesmatter.com
• Minnesota Freedom Fund - https://minnesotafreedomfund.org/
• George Floyd Memorial Fund - https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd
• Jananee from @headinherbooks has a thread for 3 different organisations that accept international donations.
• Reclaim the Block is also taking non-US donations here.

Resources

Ways You Can Help
This site lists out petitions we can sign, numbers to call & text, the various fundraisers/organisations we can donate to (including internationally accepted donations) and educational resources. It's been the site I have referred to due to its extensive and thoroughness.

An extensive list created by Indi @botanicaldyke to keep track of bail funds, memorial funds, actions being taken and advice for protestors.

Letters to Your Parents About BLM - translated into numerous languages
I think this is particularly important, especially for myself coming from an Asian background and trying to have conversations with my parents and relatives. We can start pushing for change in our immediate environment with the people we see on an everyday basis.

To Educate

Black History Month Library

An online library to access resources/readings/information regarding Black people and Black history. 

Books

Books with Shae has just announced Blackout Buddy Read to help allies understand what we can during this challenging time. She has named 2 books that can provide us education and background to continue to support Black people. Watch Shae's announcement video here and visit the Blackout Buddy Read official site here. 

The End of Policing by Alex S. Vitale - free to access as an e-book via Verso Books.

How to be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi 

Why I'm No Longer Talking To White People About Race - Reni Edda-Lodge

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings - Maya Angelou

So You Want To Talk About Race - Ijeoma Olou

The New Jim Crow - Michelle Alexander

For educating younger children, this list of Corretta Scott King Book Award winners includes children & YA books that recognises outstanding African American authors and illustrators.

Essays/Articles

The 1619 Project published by New York Times & New York Magazines

Anti-Racist Allyship Starter Pack

A full list of other resources to seek out, including numerous articles, other books and what to listen to and watch to gain further information and knowledge.

Guides

I have also found these Twitter threads to be super helpful in determining the best ways to be an ally. I am immensely grateful that these guides have been created, despite knowing how emotionally labouring it is for Black people to educate others.

How To Be Actively Anti-Racist

10 Steps to Non-Optical Allyship (Instagram version)

Please take the initiative to learn and use your voice to speak up. 

I also would like to say that whilst supporting the Black Lives Matter Movement, I am not ignorant to the struggles our Indigenous People go through here in Australia. My background in criminology has provided me the privilege to study and be aware of the terrible treatment of Indigenous people by our systems. They may not be as visible but they exist. I would like to hope that the outrage and efforts fellow Australians have shown for the current situation in the US is also reflected at home.