Black people have been speaking up about police brutality and racism for a long time. We all need to learn about the issues and listen to Black people who have the experience of facing and fighting individual and systemic racism.
Listen to the Black people in your life: friends, family, classmates, colleagues, neighbors... Make an extra effort to listen with empathy and a genuine desire to learn.
If someone says Black Lives Matter, don't reply with "What about ALL Lives? Don't all lives matter?" Of course they do, but that response ignores the very real and ongoing issues that must be addressed.
Below is an incomplete list of leading voices and powerful books, films, and documentaries. Take time to learn from them and others. Listen and truly hear what is being said.
Speaking up is one of the first steps you can and should take often. But we also must vote for meaningful and specific policy changes. Talk without any action is cheap——we must all vote for change.
We must push for government and corporate policies that: •Promote greater income equality •Promote equity and inclusion •Ensure police reform •Hold police, prosecutors, and others in power accountable for their actions
Below are several important policy changes that are necessary to help bring real and meaningful progress for all. Keep reading and use the "Contact Your Reps" button to find your representatives.
Contact your representatives and tell them you want them to support these policies. We should also think about how our schools and companies can improve and push for change there.
There are many organizations working to address issues around inequality, the broken criminal justice system, and police reform. Find out about their work and give however you can.
It may be difficult for you to give money, especially now. If you have the time and ability, there are ways to give that don't involve donating money.
Many small businesses are in trouble because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of buying most things from big corporations, try supporting small businesses.
Below are a few examples of Black-owned small businesses and links to even longer lists of Black-owned businesses.