BLACK LIVES MATTER - Resources To Educate Yourself And Support The Movement

Thursday, June 04, 2020

Join the Black Lives Matter movement to fight for freedom, liberation and justice.

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Update 26/02/23: Futurelearn and The Open University collaborated on a free online course titled Union Black: Britain's Black Cultures and Steps to Anti Racism which is unfortunately only for current university students and staff, however, if you meet the criteria then you can apply for a scholarship to complete it through Santander Scholarships. I completed the course last year and I learnt a lot about Black British history (which I was appalled is not covered in the school curriculum), bias and micro agressions, as well as the difference between non-racism and anti-racism. The course is great for understanding what your fragility and privilege, and it allowed me to reflect on how I can commit to being an ally to all ethnic minorities and marginalised groups. (Note: I am not sponsored to talk about this course, I just think it is necessary for people to learn more about Black British history and culture).

Most of you have probably heard of what happened in America last week – George Floyd was suffocated to death by a police officer who knelt on his neck. The murder has reignited deep rage for the generations of black people who were victim to police brutality.

We can’t stay silent. The Blackout Tuesday hashtag on social media showed solidarity but we need to raise awareness by sharing valuable information and the ways in which we can fight racial injustice.

The injustice of people of colour is not something you should care about for just five minutes and then forget about; racism and mistreatment of black people is an ongoing issue dating back hundreds of years ago.

Ask yourself this: I’m not racist but what am I doing to support anti-racism?

I admit, I don’t know everything and there’s so much more for me to learn but the important point is that I am willing to learn and find ways in which I can help because BLACK LIVES MATTER.


Ways in which you can educate yourself:

Books

- Why I’m No Longer Talking To White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge

Journalist, Reni Eddo-Lodge, writes about her frustration with the way that discussions of race and racism in Britain were being led by those who weren’t affected.

- Me and White Supremacy by Layla F Saad

It started off as a viral Instagram challenge, Me and White Supremacy takes you on a 28-day journey of how to dismantle the privilege within you so you can stop inflicting damage on people of colour and help other white people do better.

- Beloved by Toni Morrison

The novel is a portrait of a woman haunted by the past, Sethe was born a slave and escaped to Ohio but after eighteen years she was still not free.

- The Colour Purple by Alice Walker

The tale of Celie, a young black girl who was born into poverty and segregation. 

- Becoming by Michelle Obama

In her deeply personal memoir, Michelle Obama talks about her roots and how she found her voice.


Films/TV Shows/Documentaries

- When They See Us – Netflix

A miniseries based on a true story. Five teens are falsely accused of a rape in Central Park.

- Dear White People – Netflix

This comedy-drama series follows a group of students of colour at an Ivy League college where they are faced with social injustice, cultural bias and misguided activism.

- Noughts and Crosses – BBC iPlayer

The show follows the story of Sephy and Calum who try to have a friendship in a society full of prejudice and inequality.

- The Hate U Give – NOW TV

An African-American teenager witnesses the shooting of her best friend by a police officer and faces pressure from the community to find her voice and stand up for what is right.

- I Am Not Your Negro – Amazon Prime

This is a documentary which explores the history of racism in the US – it was inspired by author and activist James Baldwin’s unfinished manuscript.

Ways to support the black community and the BLM movement:

Petitions








Donations








I don’t have money, how can I help?

If you don’t have money but still want to help out then Zoe Amira has published a video project which you can find here – watching the 56 minute video and letting the ads run will make it gain revenue which will be donated to associations that offer payment help for funerals and protester bail funds as well as advocacy. 

Don't forget, the most important thing you can do without money is educate yourself. I can’t stress this enough, don’t stay ignorant! Educate yourself and educate others. 

If you search the #blacklivesmatter hashtag on social media, you can find the latest information on protests and useful information as well as educational resources.

As I find more useful resources, I will update the post to keep it up to date. I added UK based petitions which I have signed but will search for more to add as I know there's plenty online!

Love,
Sylvia

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