Sharing an Instagram post, a black screen or just saying you’re against racism isn’t enough anymore. The past few weeks, it has felt like we started a huge turning point. Just like everyone else I’m trying to figure out how we can fight better against racism. In addition to sharing some Instagram posts and quotes, I decided to create something to educate my readers with.
And that’s why I wrote this blog post. I want to be involved, I want to talk about it and yes, I want to fight for it! Let’s all educate ourselves about racism and work together towards an equal world. I’ve made a list of different things you can do to make a change. Please take your time for it and try to be involved. Because black lives matter, everyday. Enjoy reading!
5 questions to ask yourself
1. Who taught me about race and culture?
2. What can I do to actively fight racism in my environment? (besides from using your social media platforms)
3. What (small) changes can I make to ease another person’s pain?
4. How do I behave when I hear or see someone else say something that is not acceptable? (for example, a racist joke)
5. What have I learned in the meantime and will I do differently from now on?
3 actions to start with immediately
Action 1: Immerse yourself in your (national and local) politics. Always use your right to vote. We have the chance to use our voice. So I figured it’s about time for everyone to do something with it and be a part of the change.
Action 2: Get your news from different quality sources. Consciously or unconsciously: many news pages are framing. Think about how news pages talk about the tens of thousands of people who come together during a pandemic, but don’t talk about the cause of those gatherings.
Action 3: Talk to your family and friends about racism and what’s going on right now. Especially if you live somewhere where there is little diversity. It may be difficult for your parents to understand, if they don’t have a lot of contact with it. Try to open their eyes. Try to make an impact, even if it’s very small. It still counts.
10 organisations to donate to
1. George Floyd Memorial Fund: Almost 500.000 people have made a donation and Floyd’s family has raised more than 14 million dollars so far!
2. The Bail Project: These donations will go toward paying bail/bonds to release protesters jailed in states with bail/bond systems.
3. Act Blue Racism and Police Brutality Fund: The single donations will be split between multiple organizations, with the ability to adjust what goes where.
4. My block, my hood, my city: Donations will go toward rebuilding businesses and other parts of black communities where protests have occurred and/or have been hit particularly hard by the coronavirus pandemic.
5. Black & Brown Founders: Donations will go toward arts, technical, or other programs for black and brown people.
6. Embrace Race: Let’s raise a generation of children who are thoughtful, informed, and brave about race.
7. The Innocence Project: Make a donation and help exonerate the innocent through DNA testing and reform the criminal justice system to prevent future injustice.
8. Black Votes Matter Fund: Donations will go toward black-voter education initiatives and supporting black political candidates.
9. The Transgender District: Donations will go toward providing ongoing mental health and health-care support, monetary support, and education to black LGBTQ communities.
10. The Loveland Foundation: Donations will go toward providing mental health care and education to black communities and individuals.
7 podcasts/Netflix shows you should listen/watch about racism
1. 13th – Netflix
In this thought-provoking documentary, scholars, activists and poloticians analyze the criminalization of African Americans and the U.S prison boom. The title of Ava DuVernay’s documentary 13th refers to the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, which reads “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States.” DuVernay created a work of grand historical synthesis.
2. About Race – Podcast by Reni Eddo Lodge
From the author behind the bestselling Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race, comes a podcast that takes the conversation a step further. Featuring key voices from the last few decades of anti-racist activism, About Race with Reni Eddo-Lodge looks at the recent history that lead to the politics of today.
3. Dear White People – Netflix
Dear White People follows the story of Afro-American students; Samantha, Coco, Troy, Lionel, Reggie, Kelsey and Joelle. The series sheds light on how they experience student life on a largely white campus, and denounces the struggles about identity, love, racism and mutual colorism. We follow the story from the perspective of one of the students, and it becomes clear that all the characters deal with their backgrounds differently. The series deals with real problems and issues.
4. Code Switch – Podcast by NPR Journalists
It’s the fearless conversations about race that you’ve been waiting for! Hosted by journalists of color, this podcast tackles the subject of race head-on. We explore how it impacts every part of society — from politics and pop culture to history, sports and everything in between. This podcast makes ALL OF US part of the conversation — because we’re all part of the story.
You can listen to the podcast via this link.
5. When They See Us – Netflix
The Netflix series When They See Us is also directed by Ava DuVernay and based on a true story. In 1989, five young boys of color were falsely accused and prosecuted for the rape and assault of a woman in Central Park, New York City. The series tells the heartbreaking story of the five boys and the great impact the persecution has on them and their families.
6. Intersectionality Matters – Podcast by Kimberlé Crenshaw
Intersectionality Matters! is a podcast hosted by Kimberlé Crenshaw, an American civil rights advocate and a leading scholar of critical race theory.
7. The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson – Netflix
This documentary tells the story of a prominent advocate of LGBTQ+ rights: Marsha P. Johnson, a black trans woman who played a major role in the Stonewall Riots in the 1960s. Director David France follows Victoria Cruz, who investigates the mysterious death of Marsha in 1992. In addition to the story of the inspiring Marsha, the documentary highlights the precarious position of the black trans woman because of her intersectional identity.
We can no longer close our eyes to racism. And to do that, self-education is very important. If you have the privilege of not experiencing racism yourself, then it’s about time you learn about it. I hope my compiled list of ways to educate yourself on this topic can help you better understand the situation surrounding racism. We’re all human and there won’t be peace unless there’s equality.
Lots of love,
Sofie ♡
All About Sofie ♡ 