How to keep supporting BLM

Throughout the past month, we’ve seen Black Lives Matter protests and people coming together all around the world to try put an end to racism and fight for equality, to change the society we live in. However, the mainstream media are reporting on it less as time goes on, and less is being seen on social media. Just because you don’t see it on your timeline doesn’t mean that it’s not happening. There is many ways you can still support the movement and protest against police brutality.

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1. Sign Petitions.

This is one of the easiest things you can do, only takes a few minutes and doesn’t cost any money. When you sign them, you can choose to keep updated with the petitions progress and this can further educate you. Petitions are easy to find, you can Google them or find them on social media. New petitions are coming out all the time because there is more injustice everyday that needs address. Even if the petitions are from across the world, you can still sign from wherever from using American postcodes that can be found on Google.

https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co

2. Donate.

You can donate to bail funds to help innocent people make their bail and directly to the Black Lives Matter charity to support education and support the black community. If you don’t have money to donate, some Youtubers have monetised videos to donate their adsense to a variety of charities that help combat racism. You can leave it running in the background whilst you do something, just make sure the ads fully play through. There is no excuse. Here are some links:

3. Protest.

Protests are still going on and if you feel safe enough going to them, considering the current pandemic, you definitely should. Protests are peaceful and a good way to show your support visually and make a difference. Celebrities around the world have protested as well. Make sure you wear a mask, protective clothing, nothing that can identify you and stay hydrated. Your safety is also important.

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0161 says racism can do one 🐝 #blacklivesmatter 📸 @indiamorris

A post shared by Manchester's Finest (@mcrfinest) on Jun 6, 2020 at 6:37am PDT

4. Educating yourself.

Because lockdown has left a lot of us with nothing to do, there is no better time to educate yourself. You can learn about the history of racism and how it has developed, real life stories. You can educate yourself through books, shows or movies. Netflix has a good selection which is very accessible, some are: 13th, When They See Us and The Hate That You Give. Some good books are: Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race (Reni Eddo-Lodge), Don’t Touch My Hair (Emma Dabiri), Natives (Akala).

5. Supporting Black Businesses

Whether it is globally or locally, supporting black owned businesses means that you are directly supporting black people. Some notable clothing ones are Hanifa, Martine Rose, Sami Miro Vintage and Glazed NYC. For more beauty based brands, there are: Skin by Ame, Fifty Two Cosmetics and Papa Rozier. There is a link to an Instagram master post of a range of black owned businesses:

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The last few days have been overwhelming and anxious filled by the most recent events. I’ve felt hopeless and desperately trying to seek ways to help, share and educate all of you daily and use this platform for more But nothing compares to my emotions of waking up and seeing Black Out Post tiles on my feed from those who think that that is just enough. While that initiative has great intentions, it’s also misconstrued with the original intention. Black Out Tuesday was created to disrupt the work week and silence topics that have no connection to our current issues but to continue to share vital and crucial information to protestors, to those who want to help by donation and more. It doesn’t mean you go ghost and pretend this doesn’t exist. It means you acknowledge that there are greater issues that should be the only topic of conversation right now . “Black buying power currently stands at $1.1 trillion dollars and is on the road to hit $1.5 trillion by 2021” – Black Enterprise, 2017 . “Hispanic buying power reached $1.4 trillion in 2016 which makes them the most dynamic and fastest growing segment of the US consumer economy” – Janet Gyrnberg, 2018 These numbers completely shocked me!! TRILLION?! As a Latina, as a Bronx Native, as an influencer and as a small business owner I’m here to make you aware of your power. I feel a responsibility to bring forth businesses that bring value to lives. Our dollars have POWER and it’s evident we have put our money in brands that don’t give a f*ck I decided to put together a list of my favorite and newly found BLACK OWNED businesses (mostly small), influencers, chefs, graphic designers, beauty bloggers and more who can use the support right now. Right now is the time to amplify black excellence. NOT BE MUTED. Right now is the time to amplify black voices. Continue to share news, events, resources and businesses. DON’T LET THEM SILENCE YOU Obviously it was very difficult to include everyone so I ask that you share your business below with your handle and what you offer. I encourage all of my followers to make a conscious effort to shop black owned via this post or in the comments ✊🏻✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿 #blackouttuesday

A post shared by Amanda Korina | lifestyle (@amandakorina) on Jun 2, 2020 at 12:31pm PDT

The fight for equality is far from over. Keep educating, keep protesting, keep signing petitions and donating.

#Blacklivesmatter #BLM