Last updated on June 17th, 2021 at 12:31 am

“If you are neutral is situations of injustices, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.” ­ — Desmond TuTu

If you are not affected and enraged at the disparities Black Americans face—you are a part of the problem.

Racial injustices are a worldwide problem, but especially in the US. For hundreds of years black people have faced oppression, lynching, being senselessly murdered, the school-to-prison pipeline, blatant discrimination, wage gaps, redlining, and Jim crow laws.

Don’t let the pandemic stop you from making change. Whether you want to be on the frontline protesting or behind the scenes, you are not powerless.

No matter where you are in the world you can help! The power of the internet allows us to be connected and do our part. As tough as it’s been for people mentally, myself included… there’s no need to feel helpless. Change is coming, and it starts with every one of us.

Here’s how you can do your part:

Sign Petitions

You can sign from the comfort of your own home or when you’re scrolling on your phone. Each one makes a difference in getting justice for the victims of police brutality and their families.

With more than 80 petitions, your signatures matter. Send them to your family and friends; continue to spread the word.

Donate to Causes

Money gives people access to resources and tools to help dismantle systemic racism. It can be used as a tool to promote pro-black movements and continue to raise awareness. Money can help families pay for the burial of the victims. Money gives people access to better legal aid to ensure justice is served.

• Here’s a list of the victims’ and the funds you can donate to honor their lives.
• Check out this list of organizations that support Black lives throughout Minneapolis.
• Campaign Zero “utilizes research-based policy solutions to end police brutality in america.”
• Black Visions Collective is a “Black, trans, & queer-led organization that is committed to dismantling systems of oppression & violence, & shifting the public narrative to create transformative, long-term change.”
• Unicorn Riot is a “non-profit organization that is dedicated to exposing root causes of dynamic social & environmental issues”

Support Black Businesses

This can be done in more than one way. You can buy a product or service from a Black owned business, promote one through your social media, or through word of mouth.

• Support Owned Black has a directory of Black-owned businesses, so you can find anything you’re looking for.
• If you’re wanting products specifically, We Buy Black has a global marketplace, but not only that—they want to create social and economic change across the world.
• You can purchase products from Etsy which showcase Black owned businesses.
• By searching #blackownedbusiness on Twitter or Instagram you can connect to various businesses.
• Check out this list of 19 Black businesses you can support today.

Hold space

To hold space is to not only be present, but to actively listen to Black people’s pain. Don’t try to tell us how to feel. Don’t try to equate your pain to ours. Simply listen and learn how you can do your part.

Black folks are hurting and some of us are numbing ourselves to stay afloat. There are people raging with anger—and rightfully so. Plenty of us are crying our eyes out. Many are scared for our brothers and sisters, and ourselves. Plenty of us are on the frontline protesting for the right to be treated as human beings while putting our own lives at risk.

We are doing the best we can and being proactive in the ways we know how to. Black folks are coping in every way we can, but we need space. We need for others to step up as allies and take action against the injustices we face for simply being Black (in America).

No matter where you are in the world, your color, creed, or socioeconomic status—you can help.