In the wake of George Floyd’s tragic death and protests occurring around the nation and even worldwide, many people are more acutely aware of the racial injustice in our country and the threat to black lives. For us and for many, silence is not an option anymore. It’s important that we actively fight for what’s right and not stand on the sidelines, allowing continued violence and oppression.
So if you want to stand up for racial justice and have an impact in your community, what can you do? Groups including White People 4 Black Lives and SURJ, who act in alliance with Black Lives Matter, the Movement 4 Black Lives and other activist groups report recently garnering more support from more activated community members than ever before. On a recent Zoom call orientation for WP4BL, they said that while they normally have about 40 attendees, this past week, there were hundreds who joined in, wanting to learn more about how they could contribute to change. Although racial injustice and the fight against it is not new, there are many people who now understand that “silence is violence” and who are looking for ways to stand up for racial justice in their community.
Here are some things you can do now. Search out hashtags and follow people on Instagram and Facebook whose opinions and actions resonate with you. They may be sharing about upcoming protests and budget discussions, petitions that need signing, funds that need raising, allowing you to get involved and make your voice heard. You can contribute time and money to help make a difference.
Sign Petitions
There are a number of petitions you can sign, adding your voice to many others. Here are a few to consider:
Text “ENOUGH” to 55156 or sign this petition to demand justice for Breonna Taylor
Hands Up Act to punish police for shooting unarmed citizens
http://www.justiceforbigfloyd.com/#petition
http://www.runwithmaud.com/#petition
http://www.standwithbre.com/#petition
Donate
The American Civil Liberties Union Southern California
Communities United Against Police Brutality
Homeless Black Trans Women Fund
Beauty2theStreetz – Cargo Van to feed the homeless of Skid Row
Donate to Small Businesses in Long Beach Affected by Looters
Rebuild 10th Planet Long Beach
Rebuild Zahalea Anderson School of Self Defense Small Black-Owned Long Beach Business
Support Small Black Owned Businesses
Handy’s Smoke House @handyssmokehouse
Rober Earl’s BBQ @robertearlsbbq
Northtown Bistro @northtownbistro
Bundts on Melrose @bundtsonmelrose
Ladie Kakes @myladiekakes
Savage Taco Truck @savagetacostruck
Rollin’ Cafe Bistro @rollincafebistro
Dzrt Dessert Studio @eatdzrt
The Lions Feast @thelionsfeast
Louisiana Charlie’s @louisianacharlies
Twins Smokehouse BBQ @twinssmokehousebbq
Mabel’s Gourmet Pralines @mabelsgourmet pralines
Georgia’s Restaurant @georgiassoul
Royal Gourmet Cookies @royalgourmetcookies
Mile High Cheesecake @milehigh_cheesecake
A Different Taste Catering @adifferenttastecatering
Derrick’s on Atlantic @derricksonatlantic
O’Neils Comfort Kitchen @onellscomfortkitchen
Sal’s Gumbo @salsgumboshack
Tanjee Bakes @tanjeebakes
Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles @roscoesofficial
Virgilito’s Gourmet loco Lito’s @vlocolitos
SunBelly Foods @sunbellyfoods
Devil’s Donut’s @devis.donuts
Chef Kyle Jabri @chefkylej
Listen & Learn
Here is a list of highly recommended books to learn about race
“Good Talk” by Mira Jacob
“Citizen” by Claudia Rankine
“An African American and LatinX History of the United States” by Paul Ortiz
“I’m Still Here” by Austin Channing Brown
“How Does it Feel to Be a Problem? Being Young and Arab in America” by Moustafa Bayoumi
“White fragility” by Robin DiAngelo
“Me and White supremacy” by Layla F. Saad
“Women, Race & Class” by Angela y. Davis
“So you want to talk about race” by Ijeoma Oluo
“The New Jim Crow” by Michelle Alexander
“Why I’m No Longer Talking About Race” by Reni Eddo-Lodge
“How to be Antiracist” by Ibram X Kendi
“Minor Feelings” by Cathy Park Hong
“The Makings of Ferguson” an article by Richard Rothstein
Google drive link to free pdfs of books written by black activists.
How To Check on Your Black Friends a thread
If you’re not a reader, here are some great streams on Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon;
Just Mercy – Amazon
13th – Netflix
The Hate U Give – Hulu
Do the Right Thing – Amazon
Selma – Amazon
12 Years a Slave – Amazon
