How to Support the Black Lives Matter Movement
June 15, 2020
“I can’t breathe” were the words of George Floyd when Derek Chauvin, a white police officer, knelt on his neck until his death. Even when Floyd expressed his pain, Chauvin showed no sympathy.
Floyd’s death occurred on May 25, 2020 in Minneapolis. The Cut states that this was the third death this year of an unarmed black person. In March, in Louisville, Ky., police officers broke into Breonna Taylor’s apartment at night and shot her eight times. In February in Georgia, Ahmaud Arbery was on a jog in his neighborhood when two white men shot him to death. These men received little consequences as a result.
The Cut says that Minneapolis has the most protests across the country, with people infuriated by the police brutality in their city, while there are also many other protests across the country. In addition to this issue, the Coronavirus pandemic is a significant concern among many individuals. Here are some ways you can use your voice to contribute to the movement, while keeping yourself safe.
Insist on an End to Police Brutality
Educate yourself on the laws where you live. Communicate with your town, state, and national legislators to make laws in favor of abolishing racism. USA Today highly suggests voting in the elections to make your voice heard in order to elect leaders that will make a change to this racism.
Make a Donation
If you are able, donate to organizations that support the Black Lives Matter Movement. The Cut emphasizes that you should be aware of which funds you are giving your money to, because some of these charities have already received a generous amount of support. Research different outlets that are supporting this cause that may not have as much help, especially the ones in your community.
Support Black-owned Businesses
According to Green Business Network, supporting black-owned businesses closes the racial wealth gap. Here is a list of 125 black-owned businesses that you can help.
Use Your Voice to Influence the People Around You
USA Today encourages us to hold people accountable for their racist comments. Start conversations with your friends and family about these injustices and do not stay silent and oblivious to the issues faced today.
Educate Yourself
The Cut encourages you to gather information about the systematic racism in the United States. USA Today gives some ideas on how to do this. You can read novels by black authors that teach about some of the experiences black people face. There are also podcasts that talk about these injustices as well. There are also movies that address these issues such as George Tillman Jr.’s “The Hate U Give,” which is also a book.
Participate in a Protest, If You Feel Safe Doing So
The Cut advises to avoid going to a protest if you feel sick, have come in contact with someone who is sick or has the virus, or are at high-risk for getting the virus. If you do go, be safe: wear a mask, bring hand sanitizer, and try your best to distance yourself from others.
Support Protestors
If you are not able to join a protest, you can help people who are. The Cut gives some ideas on where you can donate your money to support them. Blackout Collective has a fund to support Black-led protests. A Gas Mask Fund is helping protestors that deal with tear gas by raising money for Black youth activists in Minneapolis.
To learn more ways you can support this cause, check out these articles.
