BLACK LIVES MATTER
When I began this journey of donations, I genuinely thought that choosing a charity, project or business would be a really difficult decision. Where would I even start?
It turns out, it has been super easy to make a selection. The reality is, there is just so much shit going on in the world!
I know that there is also a lot of good, and actually that’s the whole point of these monthly donations; to seek out the people and organisations in the world that are doing really good things. Unfortunately though, when it comes to racism, there’s still a huge amount of work to be done, and we can do so much better.
I had always considered myself not racist and loved all people. However, over recent months, I’ve been reflecting on what the truth really is. I’ve been listening an awful lot, and I’ve realised that my claim of being not racist is simply not true and also nowhere near enough.
I have been trying to decide whether to share my reflections on my journey or not. On one hand, I wonder if there’s a possibility that my personal reflections, might encourage someone else to do their own work. That it may encourage the kind of people that are adamant they are not racist, but continue to ignorantly state that all lives matter. On the other hand, this journey is not about me.
So, after consideration, I’ve decided to not share what I have learnt about myself. However, what I will say is this. . . (and if you take absolutely anything away from my blog, please let it be what I am about to say)
Racism, is not up for debate.
‘If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem’ – Jay Shetty. Read that again.
If you are not anti-racist, you are supporting racism.
If you haven’t already, please, take some time to educate yourself. Read, watch and really reflect on Black voices and People of colour. Empty your mind of judgement. No matter what you believe, or what you think you know. No matter where you come from, even if you think racism isn’t an issue in your town, or your country. Even if you believe to your core that you are not racist, please, take some time, to learn. Be open to questioning your beliefs and reflect. Then talk about what you have come to understand, talk to your family and your friends. It’s okay to get it wrong, know that you will. I will get it wrong, we all will, but keep learning from the mistakes you make, and read some more. Lead by example.
Society, systems, the status quo, education, businesses, healthcare, politics, it’s all been designed oppressing people of colour. Racism is so deeply embedded that many of us haven’t even seen it. We need to wake up.
So ask yourself, what are you doing about it?
Below is a list of books / people / films / Organisations / Articles that I have found useful.
Books (If you don’t like reading, I would suggest downloading these books on Audible)
Why I’m no longer talking to White People about race by Reni Eddo-Lodge
Me and White Supremacy by Layla Saad
Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams
So You Want to Talk About Race by Ljeoma Oluo
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
People
These are people who have talked about their experience with racism, share important information and also inspire me every day.
Charlotte Williams, Founder of SevenSix Agency - @charlottesevensix (I’ve linked Charlotte’s video here where she talks about racism, it is really educational and I would really encourage you to watch)
Nikki, Meghan, Shay and Brandy, providing a positive influence for women of all colours - @influencingincolor
Samio, an amazing blogger from Manchester, UK - @samiorenelda
Eni Ilori, a blogger with gorgeous style! - @Eniswardrobe
Luvvie Ajayi Jones, New York Times Bestselling Author, podcast host and incredible human! - @luvvie
Leigh-Anne Pinnock, ¼ of Little Mix – @leighannepinnock
Films
13th – Available on Netflix
Malcolm X – Available on Netflix, Amazon Prime and YouTube
Selma – Available on Amazon Prime, YouTube and Vudu.
The Hate U Give – Available on Hulu, YouTube and Amazon Prime
12 Years a Slave – Available on YouTube or Amazon Prime
Petitions
Change.org is an important tool in enabling change makers all over the world to start campaigns and drive transformation
There are numerous petitions you could sign to help support the fight against racism. Such as:
Donations
New York Magazine have written an excellent guide to donating, which they are constantly vetting and updating; 153 Ways to Donate in Support of Black Lives and Communities of colour.
The article is broken down into how the recipients promise to use the funds they receive. For example:
Victim Memorial Funds
Bail Funds
Community Restoration Projects
Youth-oriented Community Organisations
Black LGBTQ Funds
I decided to donate to Pretty Brown Girl. A foundation that is working hard to inspire positive self-esteem and self- love among girls and young women.
If you have any suggestions on books to read, things to watch, or people to follow. Please let me know in the comments below or via email. I will be continuing my learning and I hope you will too.
Be kind and follow your dreams,
love Hannah
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