How to Meaningfully Contribute to #blacklivesmatter

You’ve heard it before, but I’ll say it again because it’s worth reminding everyone: Our local, national, and international communities are hurting from institutionalized racism, and we need to 1) address and 2) do what we can to fix this.

It’s not fun to say. And it’s not fun to hear. But I feel obliged to spread awareness to the #blacklivesmatter movement. No, it’s not a moment. It’s more than that.

I posted a self-reflection last week, and I want to follow up with some things everyone (including you!) can do to meaningfully participate in #BLM. Please see below for ideas and inspirations to show solidarity for Black-owned businesses and education.

1. Support Black businesses

   1. Black Owned Brooklyn. Check this site out to get informed and support black owned businesses in Brooklyn.

   2. My good friend Jess Sims has taken the time to create this Black Owned Everything Document, a list of black owned businesses, from skin care, to jewelry, and alcohol. Check out this list, and keep checking back as it will be updated as new info comes in!

   3. Restaurants- The Infatuation put together a great guide, and it has some of my favorite places in Brooklyn, including Natural Blend. Eater also published a comprehensive guide, updating the spreadsheet often. Check out what places are near you

   4. Design- Brooklyn Clay Industries has unique, handmade gifts that are beautiful! As for statement pieces, check out Miles Culture. Fun collabs, graphic tees, they’ve got it all.

   5. Remember a quick google search will give you many options! But Remember to SHOP SMALL too. Oftentimes our searches give big companies. While it’s great to support them too, keep in mind the local mom-and-pop shops!

2. Things I’ve Been Reading (on audiobook)

   1. White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo.

   2. Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehesi Coates

   3. And in the middle of listening to Me and White Supremacy by Layla F. Saad.

3. Things to Refer to

   1. Anti Racism document– This document is intended to serve as a resource to white people and parents to deepen our anti-racism work by activists Sarah Sophie Flicker and Alyssa Klein.

   2. Multiple channels- as humans, we have our biases. So it’s important to combat that by getting a big picture and listening to many perspectives.

4. Who to donate money to

   1. NAACP — National Association of Advancement of Colored People.

   2. Gathering for Justice League

   3. Black Lives Matter

   4. I recently learned that change.org is a privately owned business. So while their work in organizing petitions is important, be alarmed when donating to them, the money does not go to the cause, but rather their privately owned business, and they often change your donation to reoccur monthly. :/

I know this is a long post, so thank you for reading through it! This work is important, and it is never too late to get involved. Though talking about race and inequalities may be uncomfortable, we know that we get stronger through discomfort. We can do hard things for the betterment of our communities.

If protests aren’t your thing and donating isn’t feasible now, that’s OK! Like any movement, there are many meaningful ways to contribute. Supporting Black businesses, educating yourself, spreading awareness in your home and community, and amplifying Black voices. Just don’t sit back and think this isn’t for you- everyone has a role to play no matter how big or small!