Your Activism Doesn't Have to Look Like Mine - 10 WAYS TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE CAUSE
We are pissed off regarding the state of America, and rightfully so. Unfortunately this emotion is not a new one. It’s a very familiar feeling that the black community can’t seem to shake. It may lie dormant for a while, but sooner or later it’s agitated by some racist cop, bigoted politician, or economic/health disparity. But hey….I’m not here to preach, nor am I here to give you my views on the recent tragedies. Y’all already know where I stand when it comes to my community. The purpose of this blog post is not to reiterate the issues this country has. Its purpose is to remind and inform my readers that when it comes to this activism thing, there’s more than one way to skin a cat….and your way doesn’t have to look like everyone else’s.
Do not feel discouraged if you aren’t out there in the thick of things marching on the front lines with the rest of the world. Yes those rallies are critical, exhilarating, and prideful - and I ABSOLUTELY WANT THEM TO CONTINUE; however, there are more ways you can contribute to the cause if publicly protesting is not your thing….and it’s okay if it’s not your thing because activism is personal. It’s about doing what’s in your spirit, and not everyone has to do the exact same thing to support any movement. So if you’re wondering what you could do, aside from publicly protesting, to play your part in evoking change, check out my suggestions below.
10 WAYS TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE CAUSE
1. Support a black-owned business.
2. Have those tough conversations with your white friends, colleagues, or co-workers about the issues our community faces and what they can do to help. Ask them to use their privilege to advocate for change on our behalf.
3. VOTE. Register to Vote. Tell your people to Vote. Spread the word about Voting.
4. Attend community meetings, call, or email your local politicians and voice your concerns.
5. Post important and positive information regarding the black community on your social media pages.
6. Read! Educate yourself then spread the knowledge.
7. Hire qualified, black people if you own a business.
8. Donate to a black organization that uses their resources to fight systemic racism. (I just went to this link and donated a few dollars that will go towards getting protestors out of jail. It was quick and easy, and I didn’t have to leave my couch to do it.)
9. Go harder when it comes to your dreams.
10. Sign Petitions.
As my mother says, “just like there’s more than one way to get to New York, there’s more than one way to get to change.” We need all hands on deck, my people.
What’s your mode of transportation?
“If you can’t fly, then run.
If you can’t run, then walk.
If you can’t walk, then crawl.
by all means, keep moving.”
Doing My Part,
- Samjah Iman