Want to help? Not sure how? Here is a list of links to a staggering amount of resources from black scholars, activists, and authors to help us get started.
*Please note-some of these link are Twitter threads. You do not need to have a Twitter profile to read them.
First things first: Do not say “All Lives Matter.” Here’s why.
Blackout 2020: Economic Boycott Day. On July 7, 2020 no one spends ANY MONEY AT ALL. Take a day off of shopping to demonstrate the degree to which black people drive our economy. You don’t have to be black to not shop on July 7th.
Black Lives Matter – the official website. Understand the movement. Donate while you are there.
How to Make This Moment the Point for Real Change by Barak Obama. New post about how to get involved to make real change fueled by the momentum of the protests. Links to his activism toolkit is in the article, toward the end. Includes information on how to make sure your community police department uses community policing. Police your police and VOTE.
Anti-racism Resources. Books and movies for adults and children, and social media
How White Supremacy Shows Up in Organizations
75 Things White People Can Do for Racial Justice. A comprehensive list.
Sign petitions! Here are a few.
Me & White Supremacy Workbook by Layla F. Saad. Tool for white people to explore how we benefit from the oppression of people of color without even realizing it. Includes writing exercises.
CHILDREN’S BOOKS THAT DISCUSS RACE & RACISM. Twitter thread.
Gauge where you are in the process of self-education. A helpful check-in by Michelle Silverthorn, Diversity Speaker:
DONATE:
Official George Floyd Memorial Fund
The Colin Kaepernick Know Your Rights Legal Defense Fund
Database: Black Women in Politics. Find out who is running in your state and donate to their campaign. Donate to any and all political candidates who pledge to support police reform and equality.
Support the Black Transgender Community
A short list of “Don’ts”:
Do not post pictures of yourself at protests. Being there is the least we can do and is not cause for self-congratulation.
DO NOT post pictures of other protestors, especially black people. Facial recognition profiling is a thing.
Do not post your emotional catharsis on social media. It’s not about you. Don’t unload on your black friends, either.
Catch yourself before doing or saying anything that CENTERS YOU. This is what we do; this is the problem. That’s what makes us Karens.
Instead of using the general term “racism,” say “white supremacy,” which is more specific. Try it; language matters.
Figure out how to help and change on your own or with your white friends. Do not ask your black friends to hold your hand and educate you. They are tired. Abusers cannot expect support from the abused.
We have a lot of work to do. As Layla F. Saad says, “White supremacy is not the shark, its the water.”
Hello! I wanted to share a recent guide I wrote on African-American Mental Health for your resources page. It’s full of culturally competent providers, non-profit hotlines, and free resources! Updated for 2021!
Black Americans are 20% more likely to face mental illness but 13% less likely to pursue treatment than the general population.
Thanks! Please email me at ronnarussell23@gmail.com.