By Cecilia Toro
The recent murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery symbolize years of injustice, police brutality, and institutionalized racism. The protests currently happening in the United States and elsewhere are a reaction to the extreme violence that has persisted towards black communities.
So, how can you help?
It’s important right now to be present in any way possible.
If you cannot protest, opt for ‘virtual protesting,’ and use your platform to address these issues. Sharing valuable and helpful information can go a long way so, before you share any post, assess whether or not this post contains useful information on how to help and where to do so.
Educate yourself on issues that perhaps have never affected you but have certainly been damaging to others.
Be mindful of the spaces you inhabit and allow for a conversation to happen even if you don’t fully understand; you will have to unlearn and learn again.
Use your time and your privilege for the better. Hold yourself and others accountable for any injustice seen, done, or heard.
And if you’re still wondering how you can do more, the KeiSei team has listed a few other options of ways you can help right now – no matter where you are and no matter when:
Support Black Businesses
A lot of businesses right now are selling their products to donate almost all their winnings. Those that have no current stock are trying to reach out to other brands to come together to find other ways of donating.
A few of these happen to combine what we at KeiSei value most: ethically sourced clothes and items that give back. Sustainable and small businesses are doing all they can to join this cause in the hopes of raising as much money as possible for the affected communities.
ROOP – handmade bags made out of remnant or vintage fabrics.
Conversations Over Chai – repurposed vintage accessories.
House of Aama – LA-based, mother-daughter clothing brand.
Aliya Wanek – sustainable womenswear made in small batches.
Golde – health and beauty brand based on the power of superfoods.
LIHA Beauty – all natural, vegan beauty brand.
KLUR – natural, inclusive, and clean beauty products.
The Honey Pot Company – all natural feminine care products.
Donate
These websites and organizations have shown up in a few articles and social media posts as currently accepting donations. Some are state/city-specific whereas others are for directly sending funds to groups and collectives:
Black Visions Collective – https://www.blackvisionsmn.org/
Reclaim the Block – https://www.reclaimtheblock.org/
Know Your Rights – https://www.knowyourrightscamp.com/
Minnesota Freedom Fund – https://minnesotafreedomfund.org/
George Floyd Memorial Fund – https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd
Campaign Zero – https://www.joincampaignzero.org/
Black Lives Matter – https://blacklivesmatter.com/
I Run With Maud – https://www.gofundme.com/f/i-run-with-maud
Bear in mind: The list of places to donate is longer than the one provided here. Look for daily additions to lists based on where you live. Find out which local businesses or places are accepting donations, and try to donate as much as you can.
Read
Last year, the New York Times published an article by Ibram X. Kendi on some essential antiracist readings that tackle America’s racist past and heritage. Alongside this list, we’re including some book titles that have been circulating as equally important antiracist readings. These are works that have been important in starting, continuing, and expanding on the discussion of racism in America:
Angela Davis
Freedom Is A Constant Struggle
Audre Lorde
Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches
Ibram X. Endi
How to Be an Antiracist
Robin DiAngelo
White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard For White People To Talk About Race
Michelle Alexander
The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness
You can also find our list on best educational reads to understand racism here.
Reach out to loved ones and talk to them, ask, and listen. Learn by asking “What do you need and what can I do right now to help?”
Cecilia Toro
Recent MA graduate from Durham Uni, focuses on contemporary issues and writes about literature, film, and art. Lover of podcasts, coffee, and gardening.
