As we become adults we have the opportunity to make a political impact, when we are given the right to vote at age 18 (in the UK) we have a chance to democratically support what is important to us. But more importantly, you should always support movements that move you. Regardless of age, you have a voice, one that can be used to bring about change, so raising awareness and supporting campaigns and movements should become a part of your life.
I am guilty of not standing up enough. Not shouting out enough. But this ends today. On Monday the 25th of May 2020 George Floyd, an innocent black man, was murdered by a racist ex cop in Minneapolis, USA. Despite gasping “I can’t breath” his callous murderer continued to choke him by pressing his knee on his neck.
Along with feeling pain, outrage, grief and frustration I couldn’t stop asking myself, how and why is this still happening?
For hundreds of years black people have been subject to racism, discrimination and prejudice. This problem is so deeply rooted within our society that it lives on today, centuries later. But it has to stop. We can not let more innocent lives be lost due to nothing but a darker skin tone. We will end racism, but it’s a collective effort. Through education, campaigns, protests, increased awareness and a unified intent to support the movement of #blacklivesmatter.
If you care do something. I urge you to actively be a part of the movement. And here is how you can do just that:
- GO OUT AND PROTEST
When was change ever made by sitting at home and doing nothing. NEVER. When lockdown is over in the UK and it is safe to do so. Search for local protests and demonstrations in support of the blacklivesmatter movement. Turn up and get involved. If there isn’t one local to you, travel or organise one, with support of your local council of course.
- SIGN PETITIONS THAT DEMAND CHANGE
Protests aren’t for everyone and that’s okay. But don’t do nothing. NEVER do nothing. Petitions are essentially an online protest. With great numbers, change can be made so please sign them, it takes minutes and will grant justice and save lives.
- DONATE TO VICTIMS FAMILIES
It is the family of the victims that suffer the greatest when they lose a loved one as a result of institutionalised racism. The least that can be done in the honour of the victim and for the grieving family is to achieve justice. But let’s show even more compassion by donating to fundraising pages set up for the victim to cover funeral costs and financially support the family in any way they need it.
- SPREAD AWARENESS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
The influence of social media is incredible, it’s ability to reach so many allows the movement’s support to increase making us closer and closer to positive change in society. Push to punish racist police officers or racist people, by sharing factual based posts and also help good police officers or those that challenge racism. Don’t allow the good ones to be tarnished with the same brush as the bad ones.
- ALWAYS REPORT INCIDENTS OF RACISM
If no one had been at the scene of George Floyd’s death. If it hadn’t been filmed and brought to public attention then it would be another death of an innocent black person that gains no media exposure, fails to achieve any justice. I dread to think how many unreported, low media profile cases there are of racist hate crimes, murders and cases of police brutality. ALWAYS speak up and report any incident you witness. By doing so you are making black lives matter and helping victims achieve the justice they so deserve until we eradicate racism altogether.
All black lives matter. Now and always. Ultimately it’s the passivity of white people that holds racism in place. EVERYONE needs to speak up. Only in solidarity will we make a permanent change.
Let’s end racism for good.
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