What you can do right now
I hope this moment is a tipping point in helping to overturn the systems and institutions in our country that justify their existence via racist ideas and practices. As a white woman, I recognize my privilege and want to be part of the change. It’s an ongoing process of learning and unlearning.
If you want to help, but aren’t sure where to start, here are a few ideas and resources. (Feel free to share your favorites in the comments.)
DONATE
Find a bail bond fund in your state and help free those protesting for justice: National Bail Fund Network
Support Black Lives Matter at the national level: Black Lives Matter. Or through your local chapter: Chapter Directory.
Support fair elections in the U. S. by giving to FairFight.com, started by former Georgia candidate for governor Stacey Abrams.
The NAACP’s Legal Defense Fund lets you choose where to direct your donation, or just pick “where it’s needed most.” They have lots of resources too.
There are so many more. Look for organizations in your city or state if you want to have a localized impact.
READ
Here are some of my favorite books by Black authors. If possible, try to buy them from a Black-owned or independent bookstore.
Fiction
- An Extraordinary Union by Alyssa Cole
- American Dreamer by Adriana Herrera
- Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert
- The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa
- The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
- Rafe by Rebekah Weatherspoon
Nonfiction
- How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X Kendi
- Becoming by Michelle Obama
- So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
- Citizen: An American Lyric by Claudia Rankine
SHOP
Look for Black-owned businesses online and in your community to support. A few sites/apps that may help:
- I Am Black Business
- We Buy Black
- Support Black Owned
- Also, if you’re an Etsy fan, this article has a list of Black-owned Etsy shops.
FOLLOW
A small collection of people and organizations to follow to learn more about being antiracist and how you can help move the world toward racial equality. These are Instagram handles, but many of these accounts are active on other platforms as well.
- @Blklivesmatter (Black Lives Matter)
- @Nowhitesaviors (No White Saviors)
- @Ibramxk (Author Ibram X Kendi)
- @Ckyourprivilege (Check Your Privilege)
- @Laylafsaad (Author and podcaster Layla F Saad)
- @Ijeomaoluo (Author Ijeoma Oluo)
PROMOTE
Amplify, share, support, and promote Black voices and works.
VOTE
Check to make sure you’re still registered to vote in your state/territory, or register to vote now, at VoteSaveAmerica.com. Your voice matters. Be a voter.
TALK
Talk to friends and family about what’s happening, what you can do about it, and how to be part of the solution. Please, don’t ask your Black friends and family to help you figure it out, or vent your frustrations or fears to them. Start with the resources above and your favorite search engine.
LISTEN
Listen to what Black people are saying, about their experiences and what kind of help they need or want.
LOVE
Spread the love. ❤️
P.S. Check this site for a continuously updated list of ways to help: https://linktr.ee/blacklivesmatter.