Sometimes it feels like in order to help and create lasting change, you have to reach inside your pockets. But not everyone has the monetary funds to donate or support Black businesses, especially in the midst of a pandemic. The good news: there are a plethora of ways to support Black businesses and grassroot organizations that are all free. Ahead, we share some of these alternatives.
Sign Petitions
Majority of the petitions are on Change.org. And the majority of these petitions take you less than 5 minutes. That’s 5 minutes out of your life, to honor a life. If you need help finding them:
- Justice for George Floyd
- Justice for Breonna Talyor
- Justice for Ahmaud Arbery
- Ban Rubber Bullets
- Hands Up Act: punish police for shooting unarmed citizens
Call/Email Local Governments
Technology is really winning right now. Several activists and leaders have created pre-written email templates for you. All you have to do is sign your name. There are still “swipe up” cheat sheets going around on Instagram. By swiping up, it takes you to your email and has the text already in place for you. If you can’t find this on Instagram – depending on what cause you are supporting – simply Google their name for the email draft. For examples: “Breonna Taylor pre-written email template.”
Put this Playlist on Repeat
Zoe Amira came up with a way for all the ads revenue generated from her YouTube playlist to donate to charities and organizations that support the Black Lives Matter movement. Whether you’re actively listening to the songs or having it play in the background, put this on repeat all day everyday.
Update Your Feed
Stay educated. Watch movies and read books that teach on the history of racism; and follow accounts who are working around the clock to push equality. Some good ones below.
Social media:
@naacp
@colorofchange
@reclaimtheblock
@civilrightsorg
@unitedwedream
Netflix:
“Who Killed Malcolm X”
“13th”
“Dear White People”
“When They See Us”
Books:
The Hate You Give
The End of Policing
Race for Profit
Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?
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