5 Ways To Support Black Community Now

Over the past days, there have been protests across all fifty states in American and supporting countries in response to the killing of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and other lives lost in the hands of police brutality in America. These current situations not only reflect the racism and division that still exists in America but also demonstrates the need for change. In the quest for change, here are 5 ways to support black community now and beyond. Learn, listen and speak out!

Like I mentioned on my Instagram, these past few days, my emotions have been everywhere. I can’t unsee that video. I have been sad, angry, scared and wondering what the future holds for us, my kids and the black community. Knowing that racism still exists and having experienced it myself, I worry about how that will impact my children. I am still not sure the words to express it all. It’s overwhelming to think. My heart hurts for everything going. What a year!!! I’m lost of words!!! “We cannot normalize this pain.” Speak out on injustice! We must do better!  Start by listening without ego or being defensive, learning and educating yourself about racism and supporting black communities now and beyond the current state. Like 44th president Barack Obama said, “We can and we must do better.” 

5 Ways To Support Black Community Now

1. Sign petitions : Sign petition at Change.org. You can also text “FLOYD” to 55156 to sign the petition.
2. Donate to Funds: Fund the movement’s 
   • ACLU aclu.org
   • Minnesota Freedom Fund: Nonprofit organization helping those who have been arrested while protesting police brutality 
   • George Floyd Memorial Fund
   • Action Network
   • NAACP
   • Color of Change 
   • Baltimore Action Legal 
   • Justice For Breonna
   • Liberty Fund
3. Support Black Owned Business: 
   • ICONSCloset (previously worn here here and here to name a few)
   • SaiSankoh (wore her amazing kaftan set for vacation last year. See Instagram Turks and Caicos highlight)
   • Shop A.Au 
   • Hanifa
   • Brother Vellies
   • Imad Eduso (wearing her collection in this post)
   • FeNoel (Wore their initial collection here)
   • Bfyne ( I was looking forward to wearing the fabulous swimsuit for vacation this year)
   • Fwstyle (love their clutch as seen here) 
   • Heritage by Leila Fowler
   • Kai Collective (as seen here)
   • Cushnie
   • Christopher John Rogers
   • Madison Archives London
   • The Lip Bar
   • For more businesses, check out WeBuyBlack, BlackWorldStreet, and BuyAfrica
4. Educate yourself
   1. Recommended Books: 
      • Their Eyes Were Watching God  by Zora Neale Hurston (Read this in high school)
      • Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
      • Orange is the New Black
      • So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
      • I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (another favorite)
      • This Bridge Called My Back: Writings by Radical Women of Color
      • The Next American Revolution: Sustainable Activism for the Twenty-First Century by Grace Lee Boggs
      • Bell Hooks Books: Killing Rage: Ending Racism…
      • The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein
   2. Recommended Movies
      • 13th
      • When They See Us
      • Dark Girls
      • Queen & Slim
      • Clemency
      • Freedom Riders
      • Dear White People
      • Selma
   3. Online resources: If you are looking for a way to talk to kids about difficult news check this link.; Anti-Racism Resource Document;
   4. Seek out diverse group of friends genuinely 
   5. Follow theses organizations that are doing great work surrounding racial equality and justice on Instagram: @naacp, @unitedwedream, @colorofchange, @blklivesmatter; @fairfighttaction; @campaignzero; @theconsciouskid; @colorlines
5. Educate your kids about race: It is not too early to educate your kids about racism and social injustice. 
   1. 1. Check more tips and info on ttps://www.patreon.com/theconsciouskid 
      2. Books that celebrate black culture and diversity:
         • Sulwe by Lupita Nyong’o
         • I am Enough by Grace Byers
         • Happy In Our Skin by Fran Manushkin 
         • The Colors of Us by Karen Katz
         • Little People, Big Dreams: Harriert Tubman
         • Everyone Matters by Pat Thomas
         • Mae Among The Star by Roda Ahmed
         • Over and Under the Pond by Kate Messner
         • We’re Different, We’re the Same by Bobbi Kates
      3. Seek diverse group of friends for your children

Today and always lets choose to use our voices more for social injustice. Start a conversation and educate your family and friends. It’s time to speak up! It’s time for change! Don’t be silent about racism for silence is ignorance.

Outfit: Top and pants by Imad Eduso