“Black lives matter.” This topic has been trending since the BLM movement started in 2013 when a 17-year-old boy named Trayvon Martin was shot.
Since then, the black community has been organizing a number of movements to provide education and information on how the black community contributes to society while also shining a light on the injustice that they suffer every day. Recently, the black lives matter movement has been fighting stronger than ever because of the murder of George Floyd.
The black community has been suffering for a long time. They have had to fight so many things over centuries, including slavery, basic rights, poll tax, banks refusing loans for black families, and time and time again prosecutions or even murder just for their skin color. As a human race, it’s time to take a stand and pull together to support the black community to stop this behavior. But how?
For a lot of us, going to protest is simply not an option. While we want to stand alongside and support the black community, health reasons, or caring for multiple children can prevent one from attending protests for equal rights. Luckily, there are everyday things that we can do to support the black community and make a difference from home.
Donate
There are organizations that actively fight racism. Donating to these organizations provides them with better supplies to educate and fight for equal rights for the black community. Two of the top organizations for this cause are Black Lives Matter and Alliance for Justice. Whether you can make a huge donation or you have a dollar laying around, any amount of donation helps support the black community. Make sure to look into your own community to see if there is a local, grassroots organization for supporting the black community.
Did you know your state likely has an organization set up to fight for the black community? Lifehacker brings us a full list of places to donate to help people fighting for racial justice.
Educate your Children
Healthy Children tells us that “As early as 6 months, a baby’s brain can notice race-based differences. By ages 2 to 4, children can internalize racial bias. By age 12, many children become set in their beliefs—giving parents a decade to mold the learning process, so that it decreases racial bias and improves cultural understanding.”
The only way that we can make a change in the future, is to ensure that our children are raised in a way that supports that change. It is NEVER too early to start educating your child on race and begin the process of rejecting racism. When children are taught about the injustice that the black community endures, they are provided with tools on how to make a change and will work together on building a community and society that is equal for all.
If you’re at a loss on where to begin educating your children about racism, you can start by reading them books on the topic. Here are a few books to get you started:
Read More: 20 Books to add to your collection for black history month collection
Be the role model your children, the black community, and the world deserves. Start educating your children today.
Support Black Owned Businesses
Supporting the black community means supporting their economic growth in our society. Without this growth, we are limiting where they can live, attend school, and even prevent them from applying for loans. Supporting black-owned businesses is something that you can do to support the black community right now.
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Yelp is currently adding a new search tool to their site, making it easier for you to search for local black-owned businesses. You can also search Instagram or Facebook for black-owned businesses in your area and support the black community within your neighborhood. There are also tons of online black-owned businesses that you can start shopping from home right now.
- If you’re a coffee-lover, then you’ll definitely want to try out BLK & BOLD when you’re looking for your next new blend. Not only are they a black-owned business, but they also donate 5% of their profit to nonprofit organizations that support at-risk youth. By buying their product, you’ll be supporting the black community along with the youth making it a win-win! Their coffee is also found at Target and Whole Foods, so keep an eye out next time you go grocery shopping.
- When you’re wanting to switch out your nail color, consider switching out the brand you use. 25th and June is a black-owned nail polish business that is also vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, and toxin free! The next time someone compliments you on your nails, you’ll be so excited to share with them that not only is it a fabulous color, but that you’re supporting a black-owned business.
- Updating your wardrobe is going to be so much fun with Hope for Flowers! Fashion made from sustainable fabrics that helps encourage the health of the planet, and by purchasing from a black-owned business, you are supporting and encouraging the growth of the black community.
- Your next DIY project may include having to purchase some paint. Instead of heading to the hardware store for basic paint, consider purchasing paint from a black-owned business like Clare! Everything that you need for your next paint project is delivered right to your front door!
- LitHub has put together a list of black-owned independent bookstores all over America. Most of the bookstores are ready for online orders or ordering over the phone, making the search for your next read as simple as 1-2-3! While you’re looking for a new book, consider buying one from a black author.
Register to Vote
The best way to support the black community is to make a change. The only way to make a real change is by voting for equal rights and ensuring that the right people are in our government. For years we have fought for equal rights to vote, so please do not pass up what others have fought for because you don’t know where to begin. Voting ensures that your voice is heard, that the decisions made in congress are based on issues where you want to make a difference. Right now, our black community needs us to help raise awareness of their voices and make changes to ensure justice.
To register to vote, visit USA.gov, and start making a difference in our country today.
There are so many ways to support the black community. From protests to educating our children to voting. Every step you take to forego racism and support justice for everyone in this world is a huge step towards equality. Black lives matter, and now is the time to speak up and support the black community.
WANT TO READ MORE?
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