Black Lives Matter
How is everyone holding up? The last few weeks have been heavy, a constant reminder that racism is a pandemic. It's systematic and insidious in both its overt (police brutality, hate speech, prison industrial complex) and covert (implicit bias, micro-aggression) forms. As a Black woman who grew up in the US, it's been particularly difficult to be so far away. But it has inspiring to see people take the streets - to witness solidarity from Black people all over the world and watching us challenge governments globally to dismantle these systems. We must continue fighting for all of us for Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, Nina Pop, George Floyd and countless others. All Black lives and identities are central to this fight. They have always been worthy and the pressure is on to push for greater change.
We've listed out some ways that you can help push this movement further.
1. Educate
Racism isn't new and countless of scholars and activists have dedicated their lives to educate others and fight for racial justice. Various news outlets have listed books to read, podcasts and movies to watch (please skip The Help!)
Some of our favourites include:
"Why I am No Longer Talking to White People about Race" by Reni Eddo-Lodge
Unapologetic: a Black, Queer and Feminist Mandate for Radical Movements by Charlene A. Carruthers
1619 - New York Times podcast created by Nikole Hannah-Jones
White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo
Do the Right Thing - A Spike Lee Joint
13th - Documentary by Ava DuVernay
2. Donate
Coronavirus is real and Black and Asian people are significantly impacted by its affect. We can't all afford to protest in the streets so connect and donate to organisations fighting on the ground or donate to bail relief funds for protesters based in the US.
National Database for bail relief funds
3. Self Care
Centering Black Lives also means taking care of yourself. Constantly seeing images of Black death and grief, pushing your body to protest - it can take its toll. Make sure to take care of yourself both psychically and mentally. Drink water, take a break from social media, eat that chocolate and connect with your loved ones. Take care of yourself in order to fight for Black lives.
4. Organise
Join the protests both in person and online! Make placards and have your voices heard. Check out this post from UK Jamii on how to stay safe out in these streets. And follow the organisation above to find your nearest protest on Zoom or online.
5. Support
Community is important so connect with the people around you. Organise calls for ways to address racism in your local borough. Call for accountability in your organisations. Support Black owned businesses, such as our vendors from our Winter and Spring Boxes. Amplify and listen to Black voices and support efforts both nationally and local to enact change.
City Inspired was created to highlight voices in the Black community here in the UK. Celebrate these creatives and continue to push for change however you can. Sending love and standing in solidarity.
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