I wrote this post on my personal blog the other day, and I wanted to share it here as well.
Our country is in a massive state of upheaval right now. First and foremost I want to say that my heart goes out to the families and loved ones of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and the way-too-many other victims of racial violence. These senseless killings are sickening, and they must stop. White supremacy and police violence have no place in our society, yet they persist because so many people (myself included) don’t speak out enough.
As a woman of white privilege, I could absolutely be a better ally and I have a lot of work to do in this regard. Along with many others, I’m trying to educate myself on allyship. Just a few things I’ve learned are to use my privilege to spread awareness, to listen, and to share and amplify Black voices. So with these things in mind, below I’ll share links to informative posts making the rounds. Some have tips on allyship, some offer resources for learning about racial justice, and some share ways you can help virtually if you’re not comfortable leaving home to protest.
I’ll be referring back to my own blog post here to keep doing what I can. With Google and all of social media literally at our fingertips, there are infinite opportunities for learning and speaking out against racial injustice.
Note: many of the links below go to Instagram slide shows, so make sure to swipe or click through the slide shows to read all of the info provided. Some of the posts overlap in recommendations but it can’t hurt to over-share them.
Educational Info
- Anti-Racist Resources via @micathecenter on IG
- 5 Series on Netflix to Educate Yourself on Black Oppression via @unity.celeste on IG
- For Our White Friends Desiring to be Allies by Courtney Ariel on Sojourners
- 10 Steps to Non-Optical Allyship via @mireillecharper on IG
Helping from Home
- Virtual Protesting 101 via @sa.liine on IG
- 5 Ways to Support Protestors if You Can’t Go to a Protest via @goodgoodgoodco on IG
- Watch “how to financially help BLM with NO MONEY/leaving your house“ by Zoe Amira on YouTube. It’s an hourlong video showcasing Black musicians and artists. DO NOT skip the ads…letting them play is how the video will raise money to donate to racial justice organizations! I learned about this video via @selfishfeminist on IG.
- Fund Racial Justice: Where to Donate via @ellamosco on IG
- Donate Sephora Rewards points to the National Black Justice Coalition (500 points donates $10; 1000 donates $20, 1500 donates $30). You can make this donation without buying anything; just go to the Sephora Rewards Bazaar and add the donation amount to your cart, then check out.
- 30 BLM Petitions You Should Sign Right Now via BleuMag.com
- Other organizations where you can donate:
Support Black-Owned Businesses
- List of Black-owned indie beauty & wellness brands to support, compiled by @esteelaundry on IG
- Google a list of black-owned restaurants open during the pandemic in your area that you can support. Here’s a list for the DMV, via feedthemalik.com.
This is a non-exhaustive list, but it’s a start. If you’re comfortable and healthy enough to go out and protest, good for you! Please remember not to go out if you’re feeling unwell. If you do go, wear a mask and follow these tips (via Wired.com) for protesting during a pandemic. Stay well, and stay safe!!
