I’m going to keep this short and sweet. We are in a period of change. A period of awakening. We are on the verge of a revolution. This moment is pivotal – but it will only have been worth our trouble if we keep the same energy in two weeks, in a month… However long it takes. Until we see results.
Right now so many people are being educated on the issues that black people face globally and in this country. Social media is flooded with America and Europe’s racist history and explanations of white privilege. People are receiving a necessary education.
So once the protests are over, and awareness has been raised – when it is almost impossible to claim ignorance – will the necessary actions be taken? I’m talking about real action at every level of this Country. From police conduct to hiring practices. From media representation to our school’s curriculum. From big brands to consumer buying practices. From Governmental policy to voting trends. Change needs to be made in every direction.
When dicussing Systematic racism, I feel like there’s a disconnect. Racism is not something that has “seeped into every part of our system”. The system was BUILT on racism. The system was never designed for us to survive in. People are speaking about a broken and failed system. THE SYSTEM DOES NOT NEED FIXING. It is working exactly as they planned for it to work. If we want to see change, if we want any hope of seeing real progress, THE SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE DISMANTLED AND REBUILT. And it starts at an individual level. It starts with you.
Below I’m listing donation links, books, podcasts and a drafted template for writing to your local MP. That’s it, that’s the post.
*Goes back to protesting*
Donation Links
Minnesota Freedom Fund are bailing out protesters arrested in the demonstration.
Green and Black Cross are providing legal help for protesters and activists.
Kids of Colour supports young people of colour to explore their experiences of race, identity and culture.
Memorial Family Fund supports the families of those who have died in the UK from police violence
Roundtable Journal have created a Google Doc List of some lesser-known Black Lives Matter organisations that you can donate to. The link is below
Petitions To Sign
Reading
The Master’s Tools Will Never Dismantle The Master’s House | Audre Lorde
Natives: Race & Class in the Ruins of Empire |Akala
Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race |Reni Eddo Lodge
Brit(ish) On Race Identity and Belonging | Afua Hirsch
Slay In Your Lane: The Black Girl Bible | Elizabeth Uviebinené and Yomi Adegoke
Afropean: Notes from black Europe |Johny Pitts
Don’t Touch My Hair | Emma Dabiri
Staying Power: The History of Black People in Britain |Peter Fryer
Podcast Links
Write To Your Local MP
Changing Governmental policy and legislation is an extremely vital part of improving black lives in the UK. Write to your local MP and voice your opinions on the racial injustices taking place here in the UK, in America and globally.
News Editor at York Vision, Perkin Amalaraj has drafted a template letter to help.
You can find out who your local MP is by clicking below.
Imperfect Activist 