Friends,
I am overwhelmed, as I'm sure many of you are.
This is a scary time.
We are battling the first pandemic in our lifetimes, with no end in sight.
We are desperately trying to avoid an economic crash, and in some cases placing profit over human life.
We are fighting the systematic racism that still exists in our society in the year 2020.
This is a scary time.
But this is also our opportunity to change, to become better leaders, better educated and better people.
I am starting here. With this platform, with my own voice.
I am starting with my own white privilege. I am picking it apart to build a better understanding of institutionalised racism, and to learn how to beat it. Whilst I'll never understand what it is like, I promise to speak up and fight for black lives, until true equality reigns.
Are you uncomfortable yet?
A white, British, 20-year-old female talking about institutionalised racism.
You shouldn't be uncomfortable. This should be normal. This should be a conversation you are hearing every day. This needs to be a conversation you are hearing every day. The message needs to be louder. We will not tolerate racism. We will not tolerate black lives being lost unjustly, unnecessarily because white men in power were not properly educated on racial prejudices. Or because the white men in power who believe they have the right to end a black man's life because they wear a badge and a uniform are not prosecuted to the full extent of the law and more often than not, they get away with their crimes.
Educate yourselves.
Be louder.
It isn't enough to say you're not racist and carry on with your day. You need to stand up against racism and actively participate in the fight against it.
At this point, if you are silent, you are complicit.
So what can you do to help?
In this post I am going to explain some of the ways you can help. You don't need a huge sum of money, or any money at all. You don't need an empty schedule. There are ways you can help in less than 5 minutes, all you need is your phone.
There are no excuses.
As I see it, there are two methods that will help the black lives matter movement. Education and Action. I have spent time researching the following sources I am about to share with you, however I want to be clear that these are not the only sources of education and action out there. I would encourage you to use this post as a starting point to delve into your own research. Then I would be appreciative if you could share those findings with me, and others, to ensure that the momentum continues, and that this is not just a topic on our lips for a week because it is trending.
I, too, am making my way through this list of ways in which to educate myself and to act on the part of others.
Education.
In the summertime I love to read a wealth of books in the sun. This year, I am committing to reading some of the following books I have seen advertised as educational and beneficial to anyone looking to examine their privilege and work towards an equal future for all races. I am elated to note that I found many of the books, whilst I was researching them, are currently out of stock which I hope means that people are taking this time to educate themselves as I am.
1. Why I'm no longer talking to white people about race.
Written by journalist Reni Eddo-Lodge, and described as 'a wake-up call to a nation in denial', this book explores eradicated black history, and the relationship between class and race as it is in Britain today.
2. Beloved.
Written by Toni Morrison, a book that encapsulates the suffering endured at the hands of slavery. The novel tells the story of Sethe, a slave mother who escapes to live free in Ohio, but whose new life is haunted by her past and by the death of her nameless baby.
3. Girl, Woman, Other.
Bernardine Evaristo wins the Booker Prize 2019 with this insightful book, described as "a choral love song to black womanhood in modern Great Britain". This book is Great Britain as it has never been told, the history not in the textbooks.
4. The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness
Michelle Alexander, a civil rights lawyer, explores how the "War on Drugs" launched in 1982 has lead to the mass incarceration of African Americans and how this was sold to the public as a form of protecting them. If you are not an avid reader, Netflix's documentary 13th explores the same injustice.
5. Freedom is a constant struggle.
Black feminist Angela Davis collates interviews, essays and speeches to shed light on the struggle against state violence and oppression worldwide. Davis discusses historical liberation struggles including the Black freedom movement and the South African anti-apartheid movement, and compares these to the struggles of today, reminding us that "freedom is a constant struggle".
6. We Were Eight Years in Power
Ta-Nehisi Coates takes stock of President Obama's 8 years as leader of the free world, how he transformed the conversation around race, gender, class and wealth, and the criticism he attracted as the first black president of the USA. He also touches on Trump's rise to power and delves into Black Lives Matter and white supremacy.
7. From #BlackLivesMatter to Black Liberation
Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor examines the social, political and economic dimensions of fighting for racial justice in the modern world, and how the Back Lives Matter movement inspired a new generation of activists.
8. Black and British: A Forgotten History
Historian and broadcaster David Olusoga tells the story of the relationship between the British Isles and the people of Africa and the Caribbean. It highlights how the industrial boom of the nineteenth century was built on American Slavery, yet Black Britons fought for the country in both World Wars. A book that will teach you that Black British history is not a singular history but one that belongs to us all.
9. White Privilege: The Myth of a Post-Racial Society
Kalwant Bhopal writes this unapologetic book about the racism that still exists in today's society and how neoliberal policies have increased the discrimination and marginalisation experienced by those from non-white backgrounds.
10. Me and White Supremacy
Layla F Saad writes this incredibly important guide on how the dismantle the privilege you were born with and combat racism in the modern-day setting. This book amplifies stories, past and present, to raise awareness of the discrimination that still exists today and presents solutions that everyone can be a part of.
There are so many books out there, the above list is only the beginning. Please consider placing some of these on your reading list this summer.
If you have a Netflix subscription and you are yet to watch any of the following documentaries, series or movies then you have a wealth of educational sources at your fingertips ready to be used. The next time you are scrolling through and looking for something to watch, I encourage you to consider these options.
1. Explained: The Racial Wealth Gap
This short episode only just touches the surface when discussing the historically racist society that we live in, but it is a good place to begin. The documentary explains why there is a significant racial wealth gap and how it came to be through the exploitation of black people by white people throughout history.
2. 13th
This documentary looks at the strategic criminalisation of black Americans and why black men, who make up only 6.2% of the US population, account for 40.2% of the prison population. An eye opening insight into modern-day slavery and how it is very much alive.
3. When They See Us
A fictional recreation of the case of the Central Park Five that took place in 1989, where five young black men were convicted of a rape they did not commit. I finished this one myself last night and whilst it is a harrowing watch, I'd highly recommend that you do. There is injustice in every part of the building of this case against these boys, and it outlines just how prejudiced the criminal justice can be towards people they deem fit the public image of a criminal, predominantly black people.
4. Dear White People
This is a comedy-drama series that follows black students at a predominantly white Ivy League college that 'isn't nearly as "post-racial" as it thinks'. The series highlights issues surrounding modern day race relations in America, where the series is set. However, these issues are applicable also to other countries around the world, including the UK.
5. 12 Years a Slave
This movie is based on the autobiography of Soloman Northup, a free black man who was abducted and imprisoned as a slave. If we do not understand the past, and where systemic racism began, how can we ever expect to change things for a better future?
6. The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson
Activist Victoria Cruz investigates the mysterious death of Marsha P. Johnson in 1992. Marsha was a black, transgender activist who was found in the Hudson river, a death that was originally ruled a suicide. However, many believe she was murdered.
7. Trial by Media
Specifically episodes 2 and 3 were recommended to me by a friend.
Episode 2: Subway Vigilante, tells the story of Bernard Goetz who shoots four black teenagers on a New York City subway in 1984 and claims he did it in an act of self-defence.
Episode 3: 41 shots, tells the story of 4 white NYPD officers who shoot an unarmed man (Amadou Diallo) 41 times.
8. Who Killed Malcolm X?
This new docuseries details an activists' journey to find the truth in the name of justice, decades after the assassination of African American leader Malcolm X.
9. Time: The Kalief Browder Story
This docuseries follows the tragic case of Kalief Browder, a Black Bronx teen who spent 3 years in prison, without actually being convicted of a crime.
10. See You Yesterday
Two teenage science prodigies invent backpacks that allow them to time travel, but when one of their older brothers is killed they put the backpacks to the test and go back in time to save him.
Netflix is not the only platform streaming similar media to educate society on racism and social injustice, so if you don't subscribe to the streaming service, there are alternatives. At the very least, there is information available to stream for free on all the above topics on platforms such as YouTube and a wealth of podcasts such as "The Diversity Gap". In the age of information, ignorance is a choice.
The following is a collection of organisations and individuals fighting for racial justice and equality in one form or another. Following pages such as these are a great way to further your own education and keep supporting the matter by amplifying the voices of the oppressed.
Organisations:
Individuals:
There are hundreds of others I could mention, and hundreds more I haven't even found yet. I will continue to look, and learn.
Be willing to learn from them. Be willing to listen and share their words. Show your support by empowering them to speak up against the injustice they have experienced.
Action.
Over the past few weeks I have signed many petitions, seeking justice for individuals and changes to a system that oppresses black people. I have compiled a list, and included direct links to these petitions. I implore you to please sign them.
1. Justice for George Floyd.
George Floyd was murdered by a Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, whilst three other police officers stood by and allowed it to happen. Despite the act being filmed and published online for the world to see, a conviction is not promised. If history is anything to go by, there is a fair chance that all four policemen will be let off. To ensure justice is done and this does not occur, support for justice for George Floyd must continue. Sign the petition to show your support.
2. Justice for Breonna Taylor.
Breonna Taylor was an award-winning EMT and a model citizen. But that doesn't matter. Because above all else, she was a person. Breonna Taylor was shot 8 times during a drug raid gone wrong when police used a no-knock warrant to break into her home. As it turns out, it was entirely the wrong home. The men they were looking for were already in prison. Breonna Taylor's life ended that day and yet none of the police officers involved have been charged. In fact, they are all still working in the Louisville PD. Where is the justice for Breonna Taylor?
3. Justice for Shukri Abdi.
Shukri Abdi is a 12-year-old girl from Somalia who drowned in a river in Greater Manchester. The Greater Manchester Police said it was treating the incident as "tragic" but have failed to investigate thoroughly the suspicious circumstances surrounding her death, instead dismissing these concerns from her distraught family.
4. NYC: Revoke Judge Burke's suspension of habeas corpus and have innocent protesters released.
As of 5 June, Manhattan Judge James Burke has denied a writ from legal aid to release hundreds of protesters who have been detained for days. This sets a precedent that any New Yorker can be held for an unlimited amount of time without cause. The NYPD should not be able to abuse their power to jail innocent people.
5. Calling on UK government to condemn Trump's response to Black Lives Matter protests.
Trump has condoned the use of violence to disperse peaceful protests. How many innocent black lives must be lost before the UK government, and Boris Johnson in particular, stands with the black community and against the POTUS' racist behaviours?
6. Battle racism by updating GCSE reading lists.
Breaking down systemic racism begins with educating ourselves and the next generation in a way we were not. the UK's education system omits the details of our history that are "unbecoming", so how can we ever expect to do better? Our children need to be taught about the history of racism, the reasons why it is still an issue today, and the ways it can be fought.
7. Suspend UK export of tear gas, rubber bullets and riot shields to US.
The UK is responsible for exporting weapons that are being used on peaceful protesters. This is perpetuating police brutality in America. The UK is not an innocent party. People should not be going to peacefully protest for their basic human rights in fear that they'll be gassed, or shot at. the UK should not be supporting this.
8. Hands Up Act.
The Hands Up Act would ensure that the police were prosecuted for shooting unarmed persons. This petition proposes a mandatory 15 year prison sentence for any officer found to have shot an unarmed person. It aims to eliminate the "shoot first, ask questions later" mentality that haunts the black community in particular.
9. Medical schools must include BAME representation in clinical teaching.
As someone studying at a medical school, I can personally vouch for the fact that there is very limited, if any, BAME representation in my syllabus. This is at one of the top universities in the UK. So what about in other not-so-well funded schools? BAME representation in medical school syllabuses needs to be addressed and corrected across the board.
10. Julius Jones is innocent. Don't let him be executed by the state of Oklahoma.
Julius Jones was only 19 years old when he was convicted of a murder he did not commit. He has spent the last 20 years on death row, and his time is quickly running out. I implore you to read about his case, and all the evidence that should have allowed Julius to go free, had he been given adequate legal representation. Every day Julius spends 23 hours in solitary confinement. And every day he is closer to being executed. Do not let Oklahoma execute another innocent black man.
11. I want Sandra Bland's case reopened.
Sandra Bland was arrested for a traffic stop in 2015 and assaulted on camera by policeman Brian Encinia. Three days later she was found dead in her cell, after the jail did not follow proper protocols. It is speculated that evidence was hidden from the grand jury. At the very least, the case should be reopened.
12. Justice for Belly Mujinga.
Belly Mujinga was assaulted at London Victoria who was, at the time, knowingly infected with COVID-19. This senseless act of unprovoked violence is likely to have lead to her untimely death at the hands of the virus. The individual responsible should be prosecuted.
13. Ban the use of inhumane rubber bullets.
These weapons are still bullets. Wrapping them in rubber does not prevent serious harm from occurring. The police are using these weapons on peaceful protesters and are getting away with it daily.
14. Justice for Ahmaud Arbery
Ahmaud Arbery was chased and gunned down whilst exercising. His assailants followed him, cornered him and shot him to death, but charges have not been brought due to the DA's personal relationship with one of the assailants. Justice cannot be done until both are charged and convicted of his murder.
15. Justice for Julian Cole
In 2013, Julian Cole was tackled to the ground. This left him limp and seemingly unconscious, so the policemen dragged his body across the ground to a police van where he was placed inside, still unresponsive. The police drove him to the station, and eventually called an ambulance. Julian suffered a broken neck and further related injuries that have left him in a vegetative state for the last 5 years. The officers in the Bedfordshire police department involved with Julian on the night in question were all found guilty of gross misconduct and dismissed from the force. However, none of them have faced criminal charges, as they should.
16. Petition to take down all statues of slave traders in the UK
These statues represent a painful history and uplifts the British Slave Traders who stole people from Africa. This is not in line with what we stand for, and we should not be celebrating them through statues.
17. Make the KKK illegal
The fact that this isn't illegal yet, should be enough to make you want to sign this petition.
18. Drop all charges against incarcerated trafficking survivor Chrystul Kizer
Chrystul Kizer is being charged with life in prison for acting in self-defence against her trafficker. As a 17-year-old minor, Chrystul shot Randal P. Volar III after he forced himself upon her and tried to rape her. The DA on the case has the power to drop all charges against her. No woman should ever have to be in a position to defend themselves from sexual violence, let alone given a life sentence for this!
19. Federally require psychological screenings for police employment and federal reforms
After the tragic death of George Floyd, it was discovered that Derek Chauvin, his killer, has multiple complaints against him. Continuous monitoring of psychological states, assessment of judegement, integrity, stress and honesty in the police force would help to prevent more senseless deaths from occurring.
20. Improve maternal mortality rates and health care for black women in the UK
Black women in the UK are five times more likely to die from complications in pregnancy and childbirth than white women. This needs to be urgently reviewed to ensure that it is not more dangerous for black women to give birth than it is for white women.
21. Teach Britain's colonial past as part of the UK's compulsory curriculum
When I was in school, we were taught about slavery in relation to America and not what Britain's role in this was. This undermines the suffering felt for years at the hands of British colonialism and should be part of the national curriculum.
22. Introduce Mandatory Ethnicity Pay Gap Reporting
Employers with 250 or more employees are now required to publish their gender pay gaps. I believe they should also report on their ethnicity pay gaps. The racial wealth gap is a problem that is not being addressed appropriately and this would be a step in the right direction.
There are many more petitions out there that I am yet to come across, I am sure. So please keep sending them my way, and I will continue to share them with you also.
If you are in a position where you feel able to donate, and want to help, here are just a handful of the many organisations you can donate to.
1. Black Lives Matter
Simply put, this is a key organisation fighting against white supremacy and the oppression of black lives. If you haven't already, I'd urge you to research their work and make a donation if you are able.
2. Campaign Zero
Rallying for police reform by limiting police intervention, demilitarising police forces and pushing for further training. Instrumental in the fight against police brutality.
3. North Star Health Collective
This organisation offers medical support to protesters with a focus on anti-oppression efforts. They also accept specific medical supplies in addition to monetary donations. The list of supplies they require can be found on their website.
4. Anti Police-Terror Project
APTP helps document police abuse and provides resources, support and legal advice for victims of police abuse, with emphasis on helping those in communities of colour.
5. The Sadie Collective
Connecting black women in fields such as economics, finance, data science and pubic policy. The organisation aims to increase visibility of black women in demanding fields.
6. Loveland Foundation Therapy Fund
This organisation provides the funds to black women and girls who are seeking therapy. It aims to fight the stigmatisation that still exists in some communities.
7. Black Trans Travel Fund
This organisation financially aids transgender women in order to allow them access their safest travel alternatives. This is necessary due to the unprecedented levels of verbal and physical harm experienced by transgender women in their daily lives. Currently they work in New York state and New Jersey, however they hope to expand to other states.
8. Know Your Rights Camp
This organisation runs several camps to educate the next generation of black communities and provide them with a feeling of empowerment, whilst teaching them how to create new systems that hope to end the oppression that still occurs today.
9. The Bail Project
Aims to fight mass incarceration by helping those in need of assistance to post bail. This organisation promises that 100% of the donations goes towards getting people home and back to their families. This is an especially great organisation to donate to as the bail funds can be recycled and reused when the bail payments return to the fund at the end of a case.
10. Project South
This Southern-based organisation works to end poverty and genocide, working locally and regionally to protect black lives and fight for immigrant rights.
11. Colour of Change
An organisation fighting for racial justice in the criminal justice system, for representation in the media, voting rights and champion solutions to the issues that hold black people back.
12. Communities United Against Police Brutality (CUAPB)
This organisation runs a 24-hour crisis helpline where people can report police abuse. The organisation sends out representatives who aid victims of police abuse by gathering evidence, and offering legal, medical and psychological referrals. There are also running educational outreach programs, and organise protests and rallies.
13. Black Visions Collective
This organisation in Minnesota-based and supports black leadership and local campaigns. They work towards long-term solutions and transforming the public narrative. They believe in a future where black people have autonomy, safety and good relationships with ecosystems.
14. Innocence Project
This organisation exonerates innocent convicted criminals using DNA testing and aims to reform the criminal justice system to prevent future injustice.
15. NAACP Legal Defence and Educational Fund
This is a non-profit organisation that seeks racial justice through advocacy, education, litigation and aims to improve the diversity and quality of judges in the US legal system. It also runs a scholarship program and helps black students get into quality schools and law programs.
16. Reclaim the Block
This organisation was founded in 2018 and organises Minneapolis community and city council members to move money from the police department into other areas of the city's budget that promote community health and safety. Ultimately they aim to decrease the genuine need for police intervention by providing funding to other areas of the community.
17. Unicorn Riot
This is, in their own words, an alternative media outlet. Unicorn Riot is known for reporting on far-right organisations and sources of racial and economic injustice in the US.
18. The Official George Floyd Memorial Fund
A GoFundMe page was set up by George Floyd's brother, and is being used to cover legal expenses as the family seeks justice for George's death. Some of the funds will also go to the estate of George Floyd to provide care and education for the children he leaves behind.
19. Black Protest Legal Support UK
This campaign offers free legal advice and representation for the UK's Black Lives Matter activists and protesters. Nobody should have to be out on the street fighting for basic human rights and equality at such a time like this. Nobody should be punished for doing so.
20. Stop Hate UK
This organisation launched in 1995 and operates as a service for victims of racial harassment. There is also a Stop Hate Line run by this organisation, a helpline for victims and witnesses of racism in the UK.
This is by no means an exhaustive list. There are hundreds of organisations out there who are making real changes, both for individuals and to bring down the systemic racism that plagues society.
1. Email your local MP.
You can use the link below to find out who your local MP is and their contact information.
Email your local MP to ask that the UK stop sales of riot shields and rubber bullets to the USA. Rubber bullets are causing harm to peaceful protesters and the UK is profiting from this.
The UK should also step up and condemn the actions of President Trump, and his aggressive response to the protesters. The media may tell you otherwise but personal accounts from protesters and journalists have made it clear that the majority of peaceful protests that turn violent begin with police brutality.
Finally, and incredibly importantly, demand that black history be made mandatory in the national school curriculum. How can we expect anything to change if we aren't properly educating the next generation on our past shortcomings?
2. Email the Minneapolis Police Department.
The email link below allows you to send a drafted email to Minneapolis officials asking for justice for George Floyd and that the policemen involved are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. It takes less than 2 minutes to fill in your details (name, location) and will mount the pressure needed to ensure the policemen do not go free.
Most important of all...
1. Educate yourself first.
There's no shame in taking some time to educate yourself , gather facts a, statistics and resources before entering into a conversation.
2. Be respectful and listen to those who have been oppressed.
As a white person, you should not be making your voice louder than the people who are fighting for their own equality. You should be using your voice to amplify their words.
3. Tell stories of your own privilege.
Share how your white privilege has shielded you and ask your family members to reflect on their own privilege.
4. Speak out against the injustice you see.
If you see something that is not in line with what we are fighting for, speak out against it. Ask people why they think that way and point them in the direction of educational sources. It all begins with education.
5. Do not make excuses for racist behaviour.
I've seen people be excused because "they're from a different generation" or because "that's just the environment they work in". Those are not valid excuses for not examine your own privilege and reassessing your biases, whether they are conscious or subconscious. It is because we have excused these behaviours from certain groups that we still have systemic racism in the year 2020. There are no excuses.
I hope this opens your eyes to all the ways in which you can help, even from your sofa.
If, like me, you are unable to go and peacefully protest, or you do not feel safe to enough to do so, that doesn't mean you should do nothing.
If you are going out to protests remember these things:
Ensure you wear a mask to minimise the risk of catching or passing on COVID-19.
Bring plenty of water, and stay hydrated throughout the day. Don't forget to bring snacks too!
Take a form of ID with you.
Wear ear plugs to protect your hearing - it will be loud!
In some areas where tear gas and other weapons are being used, it is advisable to wear goggles to protect your eyes.
Bring small first aid supplies with you.
Tie your hair back.
Have emergency contacts written down and on your person at all times.
Stay safe, stay vigilant and stay loud.
I am consistently looking for more ways to help the movement, and welcome any suggestions you might have.
My love and support always,
Charlotte. X
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