Over the last couple of weeks, as a team, we’ve been discussing, donating, educating others, signing petitions, watching and learning about how we can support the Black Lives Matter movement. For this month’s The Beauty Thread, we’re recognising the importance of understanding white privilege and diverting the conversation from our usual beauty routines to share many of the resources and inspiring posts we’ve found particularly useful on our (ongoing) journey to do better. Black lives matter now and always, and we can all commit to becoming better allies. These smaller efforts together create bigger and wider change in the fight against racism, not just in the US, but the UK too.
So, how can you help?
Education is key to learning and progressive change. Read, listen, watch, and read some more. Turn your attention to Black creators, activists, authors and artists and become familiar with their work. Listen to them and accept your privilege. It’s not down to Black people to educate us, we must put in the work and respect their voices.
Here are some of the resources we’ve found particularly insightful and inspiring.
https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/#educatehttps://blacklivesmatter.com/BLM’s #WhatMatters2020 will focus on issues concerning racial injustice, police brutality, criminal justice reform, Black immigration, economic injustice, LGBTQIA+ and human rights, environmental injustice, access to healthcare, access to quality education, and voting rights and suppression.#whatmatters2020.Understanding the importance of having white privilegehttps://www.instagram.com/p/B9DfahhBChU/
Systemic Racism Explainedhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrHIQIO_bdQ&feature=youtu.be
A guide to becoming an ally – do’s and don’tshttps://www.instagram.com/p/CA8FJhIhhRt/
One of the best ways we can support the Black community is to elevate Black voices and creators across all aspects of life, but especially our feeds on social media. In addition to some of our favourite Black-owned beauty businesses to shop from (mentioned here), these are just a few of the many creators, voices, shows, podcasts and books we’d recommend getting familiar with…
Great social voices and creators to follow…@withloveyossy@blackbeautymag@Stephanieyeboah@keeksreid@gracefvictory@atehjewel@sonyareneetaylor@kimberlylatricejones@dija_ayodele
We spend our lives watching Netflix, so let’s diversify our watch list.
Dear White People13thWhen They See UsExplained: The Racial Wealth GapSelf Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker
Podcasts more your thing?
The ReceiptsSlay in Your LaneAbout Race with Reni Eddo-LodgeNo Country for Young WomenGo Off, Sis Podcast
Or, pick up some new books…
Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo-LodgeSlay In Your Lane by Yomi Adegoke and Elizabeth UviebinenéQueenie by Candice Carty-WilliamsMe and White Supremacy by Layla F. SaadSuch A Fun Age by Kiley Reid
It’s time we all engaged in conversation with friends, family, colleagues, bosses, even if it’s difficult. These conversations aren’t meant to be comfortable; change isn’t comfortable but it’s mandatory for ongoing learning and growth.
We also recognise that offline participation is crucial and @nataliesoutlet has created a useful guide.
These Instagram posts are a great start with helping to respond to certain arguments or common opposition statements.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CBBTQ7kgT1S/https://www.instagram.com/p/CA-eKNfpmJu/
Just a few of the many petitions to sign.
Justice for George Floydhttps://www.change.org/p/mayor-jacob-frey-justice-for-george-floyd?use_react=false
Justice for Belly Mujingahttps://www.change.org/p/govia-thameslink-justice-for-belly-mujinga-justiceforbellymujinga?source_location=petitions_browseMake Black British History Compulsory in Schoolshttps://www.change.org/p/secretary-of-state-for-education-make-black-british-history-compulsory-in-schools-71e42535-7049-472d-a095-cfebdf717db6?source_location=petitions_browse
More British Black Role Models In The UK School Curriculum.https://www.change.org/p/uk-parliament-more-british-black-role-models-in-the-uk-school-curriculum
More protection for Black Trans Women UKhttps://www.change.org/p/boris-johnson-more-protection-for-black-trans-women-uk?source_location=petitions_browse
Black Lives Matterhttps://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_blm_homepage_2019
Official George Floyd Memorial Fundhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd
The Bail Project Fundhttps://secure.givelively.org/donate/the-bail-project
#SayHerName Campaignhttps://aapf.org/donate
Belly Munjinga’s Familyhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/rip-belly-mujinga