* Racial Justice Resources *
On Memorial Day 2020, George Floyd was killed by a Minneapolis police officer - while several other police offers looked on and did nothing to stop him.
Injustice doesn't even begin to cover it. It's heartbreaking, horrific, and - unfortunately - a picture of the world that we live in.
In the 2 months before George Floyd’s death, there was the high-profile coverage of the killings of Breonna Taylor, Doug Lewis and Ahmaud Arbery - and those are just a couple of the countless deadly hate crimes against the Black community that got widespread coverage in the past couple of months. These are just 3 names on a list that is very, very long.
The South African Nobel Peace Prize-winning anti-apartheid activist Desmond Tutu said:
IF YOU ARE NEUTRAL IN SITUATIONS OF INJUSTICE, YOU HAVE CHOSEN THE SIDE OF THE OPPRESSOR.
White people: if you are wondering whether or not you should speak up about this - let me make it easy for you. You should. We all should. We must.
I say this not as someone who feels like I've done this perfectly. I haven't. I can do better.
And so, I've spent a lot of the last few days doing research - I'm including some of the places that I'm relying on in hopes that it's helpful to you.
GET EDUCATED
The last week has shown me that I still have *A LOT* to learn when it comes to the history and present reality of how our country and world treats Black people.
Here are some of the books that have been recommended to me.
So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
Me and White Supremacy by Layla Saad
White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo
How to Be an Anti-Racist by Ibram X Kendi
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Rachel Cargle has also put together "Elizabeth's Bookshop & Writing Centre" where she has curated different reading lists. Check this out.
TAKE ACTION
Some things we can all start doing, NOW.
SIGN PETITIONS: There is strength in numbers.
Justice for George Floyd on change.org. Almost 14 MILLION people have signed this petition so far. Add your name.
#JusticeforFloyd on colorofchange.org: Over 4 MILLION have signed this petition, demanding that all officers involved are charged.
Justice for Breonna Taylor on change.org: No one has been charged in the murder of Breonna Taylor who was unarmed shot to death in her own apartment.
NAACP Legal Defense Fund for George Floyd: This petition is fighting for "safe policing in times of unrest."
VOTE: In every election, not just the big ones. Learn about the candidates and measures on the ballot. It's not okay to sit this one out - we've seen what happens when too many of us do. My partner Kate shared this thread on Twitter with me about Obama's words on voting.
START CONVERSATIONS: With your friends and family. They might not be comfortable but change starts at home. I have found this diagram to be very helpful when it comes to explaining White Privilege. Start a Racial Justice book club! Send emails or letters.
FOLLOW & AMPLIFY BLACK VOICES: This movement is being led by Black people - and that should be reflected in the leaders we listen to. Whenever possible, listen to and share Black people's voices. I've been spending time recently on Instagram reading content from @rachel.cargle, @laylafsaad, and @ijeomaoluo. Note: If you can, support them monetarily for the education they provide you - look for ways to do this.
CONTACT STATE & LOCAL LEADERS: A list of contact details and information can be found in this article.
THINK ABOUT YOUR SPENDING: Where can you support Black-owned businesses? There are SO many ways do to this. One really helpful way to do this is to use The Intentionalist - you can filter by what kind of business you want (shopping, restaurants, service providers, etc.) and the identity of the ownership (in this case, filter on Black-owned). If you have a business, think about hiring Black contractors or employees.
MAKE DONATIONS: Get involved in local organizing, or donate to national organizations.
Campaign Zero: Campaign Zero is a police reform group against police violence in America.
Official George Floyd Memorial Fund: Proceeds go to George Floyd's family.
I Run with Maud Fundraiser: Proceeds assist Ahmaud Arbery's mother and immediate family.
Southern Poverty Law Center: The SPLC fights hate and bigotry in America.
NAACP Legal Defense Fund: Legal organization fighting for racial justice.
Bail Fund: This Twitter thread groups bail funds around the country.
Black Lives Matter: Support the BLM movement and the fight against state-sanctioned violence.
One thing that has really stuck with me: Being an ally is not an identity - it's a practice. Being anti-racist is not an identity - it's a type of action.
Doing this work can be uncomfortable. Most of us will mess up. But being silent is no longer an option. If we're not part of the solution, we're part of the problem.
Thank you for being here and following along with me as I learn how to be a better ally. I would love to hear your ideas, suggestions, thoughts on how to do this better and more impactfully - I am listening.
Lauren
