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Black Lives Matter: An Ultimate List of Resources You Can Use to Educate, Prepare, and Fight From Wherever You Are

As the United States (and now, the world) moves to bring the injustice towards black lives under a magnifying glass, people are doing whatever they can to stand in solidarity and support in different ways.

It’s important to know what to do to help from wherever you are! From protesting in the streets to calling state and government officials to relearning and re-educating ourselves on how to be better allies, there are various things that you can do to contribute to the progression of educating each other to be a better anti-racist ally and amplifying black voices.

Everyone everywhere can make a change if we know how to, right? Here are different links you can use to reach out, reflect, and use as a resource remotely:

Educating Yourself and Reflection:

Mireille Cassandra Harper from Vogue (U.K.) wrote a piece on how to become a better non-optical ally. This thought-provoking read is an excellent guide for looking to be better educated and proactive as a person that wants to stand in solidarity. Read it here.

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Social media has been a bit overwhelming since I first put up this post so it has taken some time for me to post this. On Friday, I shared this content on Twitter after I felt the conversations online were like screaming into an echo chamber. I wanted to provide those who wanted to support and be an ally with practical tips to move forward and make a change in our society. I am still somewhat surprised and overwhelmed by the reception so please take patience with me at this time. — For a note on who I am to those who have followed me from Twitter, my name is Mireille. I'm an assistant editor and I do freelance writing, PR and sensitivity reading and other bits on the side. I am extremely passionate about diversity and inclusion, and everything I have shared is not new knowledge to me. From as far back as I can remember I've been campaigning, fighting for equality and supporting and working with black owned organisations. I have worked in the diversity and inclusion space for around four years and I have been equipped with knowledge, skills etc through that work as well as through wider, intensive reading and being raised by a Jamaican mother who has a degree in Women's Studies. I felt as a mixed race person who was emotionally capable despite the current situation that I could use my learned experience, skills and compassion to offer this advice to allies and anyone else who was seeking advice but didn't know where to turn. This is now on my stories as a highlight so please feel free to share from there or here. — A small reminder that this took emotional labour and POC, especially black people are not here to teach you everything. When I said ask how you can support, I meant on a personal level as a friend etc. I hope this toolkit provides you with the starter info you need but there are genuinely people more experienced than me who warrant your listening to – please go and follow @nowhitesaviors, @laylafsaad, @rachel.cargle, @ckyourprivilege, @iamrachelricketts, @thegreatunlearn, @renieddolodge, @ibramxk + a few more: @akalamusic, @katycatalyst + @roiannenedd who all have books or resources from many more years of experience. _

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Reading How to Be Anti-Racist, Black Authors, and Reading About Their Experience:

There’s a vast collection of books about being anti-racist that give a better understanding of the oppressed’s perspective. Here is a list of books that have been circulating socials that are necessary, suggested reads:

Other essential pieces to read: How the U.S. Got Its Police Force

Donate! Donate! Donate!

Twitter user @dehyedration created a Carrd with resources to educate and take action, including links to places to donate.

Donating to the mentioned organizations and your local organizations will help bring the community up and put the funds in the hands that need it the most.

Supporting Black-Owned Businesses

By supporting black-owned businesses, you’re putting your money towards hardworking creatives that need us to stand in solidarity as well as helping them gain financial support for their art and hard work instead of big box companies! These instagram links will lead you to black-owned businesses that cater to you wherever you are!

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Please share with those asking for resources or how they can help. Links to all accounts below. Cosmetics @kncbeauty @mdmflow @mentedcosmetics @thelipbar @beautybakeriemakeup @juviasplace @mischobeauty Skincare @oyinhandmade @solonoir @ehoneyskin @gethyperskin @ouithepeople @himistry @mybutterbarskin @blackgirlsunscreen @blkandgrn Jewellery @_melaniemarie_ @dorcascreates @peaceimagesjewelry @jamandrico @thirdcrown Food/drink @tastesanaia @boo.b.ltd @theopolisvineyards @mcbridesisters @partakefoods @golde @ivysteaco @adozencousins @blkandbold Fashion/accessories @ceeceesclosetnyc @dorcascreates @brothervellies @hanifaofficial @weardiop @sherah_online @thefolklore @nubianskin @thewraplife @nudebarre @onabags @blkmktvintage Bookstores @mahoganybooks @unclebobbies @harrietts_bookshop @thelitbar @forkeepsbooks @braveandkindbooks @blackbabybooks @booksofmelanin @semicolonchi Homewares/lifestyle @helloyowie @bespokebinny @toolsforlivingba @rayoandhoney @boleroadtextiles @purhomeclean @effiespaper Art/stationery @ohhappydani @materiallife @a_single_suggestion @natalieodecor @alilscribble @lepenndesigns @unwrp Kids @ozzieolive @braveandkindbooks @avaandisa @cocopieclothing @prettypleaseteethers @blackbabybooks @harperimandolls @booksofmelanin @puzzlehuddle @tippy_tot_shoes @shop.opalandfig @darlyngandco Toyslikeme.com

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UPDATED: “African Americans dominate the ethnic hair and beauty aids category, accounting for almost 90% of the overall spend.” – Nielsen, 2019 “Black buying power currently stands at over $1.1 trillion and is on the road to hit about $1.5 trillion by 2021.” – Black Enterprise, 2017 Our dollars power A LOT of businesses in this country, many of which could care less about our overall wellbeing or the many injustices our community faces. I’ve seen a number of brands very hush-hush about what’s been happening or only releasing a statement after being called out. Let’s make a point to power our own. 💓 Here are a bunch of Black owned makeup, skincare/personal care, hair and fashion brands to spend your money with. I’m sure this doesn’t come close to all of the ones that exist, so please comment below if you know of any others that aren’t listed. (I couldn’t tag all of them 😕 IG won’t let me) I AM FULLY AWARE THAT FENTY BEAUTY is not 100% Black owned. It is partially owned and I wanted to include anyway as fenty as always been about inclusivity. It’s been brought to my attention that Juvia’s Place has had some issues treating their Black influencers with respect. Def didn’t know before sharing this post. I encourage you all to do your research on brands before spending money on their products/services. The Mane Choice is no longer black owned as it was acquired by a beauty brand in Canada**** PLS SHARE💞 #supportblackbusinesses #jusitceforblackpeople

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Dont have money? Can’t go protest? Here’s a simple, free way you can help!

Zoe Amira put together a video together that you can watch for an hour long that is jam-packed with ads. Why? The ad revenue generated will go towards Black Lives Matter as well as Black Lives Matter associated protester bail funds. She’s a genius, and it’s an easy way for you to do your part from home!

Another significant piece you can watch is Ava DuVernay’s documentary, 13th. This Emmy award-winning documentary is a direct, hard-hitting look at how America’s history of racial inequality drives the high rate of incarceration. And Netflix has it up on YouTube for FREE.

Vote. Vote in your primaries when it’s available in your state, and vote in this upcoming election.

It’s key for us to be vocal about our rights and the rights of others by voting in our election. The only way we can bring forth true change is to stand up and be counted. We need to stand up and vote to bring forth forward movement.

Check your voting registration and register: vote.org

If you are intending to go out and protest, here are some links to help you better organize, prepare, and stay safe while you are out:

Protesting is your right, considering the First Amendment protects your right to assemble. That said, law enforcement officials often violate this right with force and arbitrary restrictions. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) put together information for organizers and protesters to know their rights.

With Covid-19, protesting has another element to prepare for and be mindful of. The Vox article, How to more safely protest in a pandemic, provides useful tips from health experts on reducing the spread of the virus in mass gatherings.

We need to do our part by continuing to educate and re-educate ourselves in our everyday lives by opening and making ourselves better anti-racist allies.

Whatever you chose to do, pick a side. Moderates” and people who would rather stay quiet to maintain the status quo choose the oppressor’s side and should confidently stand in that. Your silence is loud, so don’t think we don’t see you.

Black Lives Matter.

Written and arranged by Oddity & Co. Owners, Desiree Tolentino & Mariah Berry

We stand with you in strength and solidarity.

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