Black Lives Matter

By Guest Editor

Published 02/06/2020

By: xxx Published: d/m/Y

If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor
– Desmond Tutu

If you don’t know what to say or what to do, learn what to say and what to do and then say and do it. If you haven’t before – now is the time to raise your voice. Now is the time to stand with the black community. Now is the time to get educated about the history and present times of oppression of black people.

Remember that it’s not up to black people to educate you about their suffering. Take responsibility and inspect yourself, as well as your surroundings. Have the uncomfortable conversations. Where can you improve? What do you have to do in order to become an ally? Here are some resources to begin to get involved:

BOOKS TO READ

So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo

How To Be An Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi

White Fragility by Robin Diangelo

Heavy: An American Memoir by Kiese Laymon

The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin

I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

Me and White Supremacy by Layla F Saad

Why I’m no longer Talking to White People about Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge

FILMS AND SERIES TO WATCH

13th by Ava Duvernay

American Son by Kenny Leon

Selma by Ava Duvernay

When They See Us by Ava Duvernay

Queen and Slim by Melina Matsoukas

Dear White People by Justin Simien

BlackkKlansman by Spike Lee

See You Yesterday by Stefon Bristol

All of the films and series should be available at Netflix or Amazon*

Also, to my fellow non-black POC’s, this is just as crucial for us as for white people. Don’t think just because you’re non-white there’s nothing that’s needed from you. There are plenty of racism to deconstruct in our communities as well. Get educated. Discuss. Reflect. Be fully honest with yourself. Use your voice to bring subject into matter with your family and friends.
It’s the only way forward.