It's been almost three weeks since the brutal killing of George Floyd and since then massive crowds of people from all around the world have gathered to pay tribute and protest against racial prejudice, inequality and police brutality which pervade all aspects of society.
Why should you care?
Systemic racism is everywhere. To support this movement is to pave the way for more conversations about race all around the World. Racism is a global structure that still fuels injustices across the world towards minority groups and people of colour.
As a Sudanese, racism in Sudan has haunted our history and present day. Both race and ethnicity played a powerful role in the Darfur genocide and decades of civil war between the North and South of Sudan which ultimately led to the secession of the South. Throughout the revolution last year Sudanese people from all across Sudan came together in mass protests which led to the overthrowing of a 30 year dictator Omar El Bashir and chanted “Oh, you arrogant racist, we are all Darfur.” This infused a sense of "we are one" and symbolised people standing up as one against systemic, institutional and structural racism. We all recognise that for us to live in a better and reimagined Sudan, we need to tackle the problem of racism by calling it out and standing up against it.
My point is, Black Lives Matter is not just a US problem. For instance, within African countries and amongst tribes racism exists and continues to play a divisive role in relations which has been politically destabilizing. So, you should care because, if the Sudanese revolution has taught me anything, it's that there is real power in coming together, protesting, raising awareness both online and offline and donating.
How can you help?
I think the most important thing you can do to be an ally and further the cause is to:
Actively listen and let the Black community be heard.
Educate yourself on the history and the movement as much as possible because the onus is on you to learn and unlearn wrong things you’ve been taught. Read black literature to understand their truths, the slave trade, the history of civil rights and modern-day racism, inequality and police brutality.
Initiate conversations with your family, friends and children on racism and anti-black sentiments.
Sign petitions because they have proven to work.
Donate to funds and charities that support black communities.
Support black owned businesses and brands that are allies by for example donating to the cause and ensuring diversity and inclusion.
Useful resources
I’ve compiled a list of educational antiracism resources which I think are a good place to start and which amplify black voices. I’ve split the resources into books and articles to read, charities and initiatives to donate to, petitions to sign and movies and series to watch. So here you go:
1. Books
2. Articles and resources to read
Letters for black lives is a set of crowdsourced, multilingual, and culturally aware resources aimed at creating a space for open and honest conversations about racial justice, police violence, and anti-Blackness in our families and communities.
Instagram: George Floyd: How can I help from the UK? (via Das Penman)
3. Charities and funds
4. Petitions to sign
5. Films and TV series to watch:
The Innocence Files - Netflix
When They See Us (Ava DuVernay) — Netflix (also When They See Us Now follow up with Oprah - Netflix)
Explained: The Racial Wealth Gap - Netflix
Time: The Kalief Browder Story - Netflix
Who Killed Malcom X? – Netflix
Also, the learning never stops, so let's all please keep listening, educating ourselves and sharing resources. Please comment with any resources you've found useful.
References:
Comments