Listen, Learn, Act: Resources to Support Black Lives Matter
By Sophia Westover, Contributing Editor
Michael Ciaglo Getty Images
No matter your race, we all have a duty to stand up against oppression. Although police brutality and systemic racism are far from new, there is an incredible urgency to act now. But how? From research and suggestions from The What Women, we have compiled a list of ways to give, learn and buy to support the Black community and combat police brutality.
What to Give.
Campaign Zero. This campaign combines community recommendations, professional research and the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing to enact ten specific policies which will work towards an end to police brutality. Campaign Zero is a great option for donations and also offers educational resources, allowing you to track legislation progress in each state
The Bail Project. Their mission is to combat mass incarceration and racial disparities in the prison system by raising money to help people in need pay their bail. Because bail is returned at the end of a case, the money is “recycled,” so donations to this fund have a strong reach.
Community Justice Exchange. Looking for local bail funds to support? This website includes a directory of bail funds by state that go towards arrested protestors and long-term goals in combatting racial discrepancies in the criminal justice system.
LGBTQ Freedom Fund. This pride month, the importance of intersectionality and the diversity within the Black community is finally receiving recognition. This Black-led fund supports those in the LGBTQ+ community— who are three times more likely to be detained for crimes due to inability to pay bail— pay their legal fees.
The Audre Lorde Project. Named after activist writer Audre Lorde, this project’s mission is to support LGBTQ+ people of color to create social and economic justice for the community.
Black Visions Collective. This collective is focused on healing and transformative justice in Minnesota. Donate here.
Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective. BEAM is a collective of therapists, lawyers, yoga instructors, artists, and more, committed to healing the Black communities.
What to Watch.
Dear White People (Netflix). This series, created by Justin Simien, tells the stories of people of color at a predominantly-white Ivy League university and their experiences with racism.
13th (Netflix). Ava DuVernay’s documentary walks you through the history of racial inequality in America and how it led to the mass incarceration of Black people.
The Hate U Give (iTunes). Adapted from Angie Thomas’ bestselling book, George Tillman Jr.’s film follows the main character, Starr, as she finds her voice after witnessing a police officer murder her friend. The movie portrays Starr’s internal struggle between her life as one of the few POC at a predominantly white school and her life at home where they are hurting over yet another innocent life lost to police brutality.
When They See Us (Netflix). This Netflix series tells the story of the Central Park Five and their wrongful convictions in the assault of a jogger in Central Park.
Time: The Kalief Browder Story (Netflix). This Netflix docuseries follows Kalief Browder’s story: a 16 year-old who was wrongfully imprisoned for three years at Rikers Island jail while waiting for trial over a stolen backpack.
Fruitvale Station (Amazon). Ryan Coogler’s 2013 film follows the life of Oscar Grant, who was murdered by police officers at a BART station in Oakland.
12 Years a Slave (Amazon). Directed by Steve McQueen, this 2014 film won the Oscar for Best Picture. McQueen depicts the experiences of slavery, which is the root of modern-day systems of oppression.
How to Eat Your Watermelon in White Company (and Enjoy It), (Amazon). This documentary follows the life and impact of Martin Van Peebles, one of the first directors to challenge white privilege and the system of racial oppression in America.
Selma (Amazon). Ava DuVernay’s 2014 nationally-acclaimed film portrays Dr. Martin Luther King and the march from Selma to Montgomery, AL to fight for equal suffrage rights.
Whose Streets? (Amazon). This 2017 documentary narrows in on police brutality and the power of protest through its portrayal of the uprising sparked by the murder of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri.
I Am Not Your Negro (Amazon). In this 2016 documentary, Raoul Peck revisits the work of Black activists like Malcolm X and Martin Luther Kind Jr. to “finish” James Baldwin’s book, “Remember This House.” The result of his work is an “up-to-the-minute examination of race in America.”
If Beale Street Could Talk (Amazon). Based on the work of James Baldwin, this 2018 film tells the story of a couple in 1970’s Harlem whose life is abruptly changed when one of them is wrongfully arrested for a rape he did not commit.
Crime + Punishment (Hulu). This 2016 documentary follows a group of Black and Latino NYPD officers over four years during a lawsuit against their department over illegal quotas which target minority neighborhoods.
TED2012: We Need to Talk About an Injustice by Bryan Stevenson. This 2012 TEDTalk given by lawyer Bryan Stevenson explains the racial injustices of the American criminal justice system.
Just Mercy (YouTube). Adapted from Bryan Stevenson’s book, this movie tells the story of Bryan Stevenson’s fight as a young lawyer for Black citizens who have been wrongfully convicted or cannot afford legal representation in Alabama.
The Watermelon Woman (Amazon). Cheryl Dunye’s autofictional film portrays the experiences of black LGBTQ+ people through the story of a Black-lesbian filmmaker, researching the mysterious life of a 1930’s Black actress who went by the “Watermelon Women.”
What to Read.
Support Black-owned bookstores! For starters, if you plan on purchasing any of the following recommendations, we urge you to find them at a local Black-owned bookstore. McSweeney’s can help you find the best one for you, here.
Between the World and Me. Written as a letter to his son, Ta-Nehisi Coates explores the concept and consequences of race in America about his experiences as a Black man.
White Fragility. It’s time to really understand white privilege and how it has hindered progress towards racial justice. Written by Robin DiAngelo, this book unpacks “why it’s so hard for white people to talk about racism.”
How to Be an Antiracist. It is no longer enough to be a “non-racist”— we must all speak out as an anti-racist. Ibram X. Kendi’s book’s helps us get there to better understand what it takes to combat America’s systems of oppression.
So You Want to Talk About Race. A lot of us are asking ourselves how to talk about race— from conversations with friends and family to understanding our own privilege. Ijeoma Oluo’s book is a comprehensive guide to conversations on race and racism.
Books to help our children learn about racism. Approaching the conversation on race with children is difficult but crucial. This Vogue article lists “17 Books About Racial Inequality for Young Readers.”
NPR: “Democrats Unveil Police Reform Legislation Amid Protests Nationwide”
The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration In The Age of Colorblindness. Michelle Alexander’s book challenges the idea that Obama’s election brought about a new culture of “colorblindness,” addressing mass incarceration— a racial system of oppression that persists in the age of colorblindness.
Racism without Racists: Colorblind Racism and the Persistence of Racial Inequality in the United States. If you’re still having a difficult time grasping idea that being a “non-racist” or “colorblind” is enough of a solution to American inequality, Eduardo Bonilla-Silva offers a strong argument explaining the harm of colorblindness.
The Ethnic Project: Transforming Racial Fiction into Ethnic Factions. Sociology professor at UCSB, Vilna Bashi Treitler, examines the concepts of ethnicity and racism, arguing that “ethnic thinking simply perpetuates an underlying racism.”
Just Mercy. Written by criminal justice lawyer, Bryan Stevenson, this book is a call for change in the criminal justice system which has historically wronged Black Americans.
Sister Outsider. Audre Lorde’s collection of essays and speeches is the perfect book to better learn about the intersectional experiences of Black women in the LGBTQ+ community. As we celebrate pride month, it’s important to remember not all LGBTQ+ experiences are equal.
Hood Feminism. We have got to stop separating gender equality and racial equality. Mikki Kendall’s collection of essays challenges our current notion of feminism, through her own experiences as a Black woman in America.
Until We Reckon. Danielle Sered’s book focuses on prison reform, challenging the current violent practices in prison and offering solutions to end mass incarceration and create a safer environment.
The Inner Work of Racial Justice: Healing Ourselves and Transforming Our Communities Through Mindfulness. Written by Rhona V. Magee, this book focuses on the personal and community healing needed due to microaggressions, prejudice and systems of oppression. She argues that in order to create outer change, we must also do “inner work” to heal ourselves.
75 Things While People Can Do For Racial Justice (Medium).
The Hate U Give. Angie Thomas’ bestselling fictional book discusses police brutality through the lens of Starr Carter, a Black teenager trying to balance her life in a poor neighborhood and her predominantly-white private high school.
Native Son. Richard Wright’s novel tells the story of Bigger Thomas, a young Black man living on the South Side of Chicago. Though Bigger commits a severe crime, Wright’s work portrays the systematic causation of his crimes.
Black Imagination. Curated by Natasha Marin, these stories stories bring you “black voice on black futures,” answering questions like, “What is your origin story? How do you heal yourself? Imagine a world where you are loved, safe, and valued.”
What to Listen.
Intersectionality Matters! This podcast by the African American Policy Forum brings to light the concept of intersectionality and the ways in which different social identities— race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, religion and more— intersect and create different experiences of oppression.
Throughline. NPR’s podcast, Throughline, goes “back in time to understand the present. These are stories you can feel and sounds you can see from the moments that shaped our world.”
Black History Year. This podcast sheds light on the experiences of Black people that have been continuously left out of the history books and media. It “connects you to the history, thinkers, and activists that are left out of the mainstream conversations.”
Code Switch. This NPR podcast confronts issues of race and culture, offering information on intersectional experiences through personal stories, history and analysis.
United States of Anxiety. This podcasts explains the history of racism in the United States: “the unfinished business of our history and its grip on our future.”
Afropunk Solution Sessions. If you’re unsure what to do next after acknowledging and learning about the systems of oppression in the US, this podcast by Afropunk “brings together the people with the tools, the experience and the resolve to solve the issues facing our community.”
Truth Be Told. KQED’s podcast, hosted by Tonya Mosley, tackles serious issues through a unique lens. She’s “the friend you call after a long day, to laugh, cry, bitch and moan. The one who gets it.”
The Nod. Hosts Brittany Luce and Eric Eddings discuss the “beautiful, complex dimensions" of Black life.” Although the show has ended, their past episodes offer insight and understanding into what it means to be a Black person in America.
The Stakes. This is a podcast about “what it takes to create change.” Hosted by Kai Wright, The Stakes examines how society has gotten to this extreme state and how we can take action to move forward.
Scene on Radio: Seeing White. What does “whiteness” mean, where did it come from, and what does this mean for people of color? On scene on Radio’s series, Seeing White, John Biewen discusses the many questions surrounding race and privilege in America.
The Heart: Race Traitor. This mini-series, hosted by Phoebe Unter, dives into the system from which she has benefitted as a white woman to try to understand how to dismantle it.
Come Through with Rebecca Carroll. Rebecca Carroll holds us all accountable through 15 stories on racism and its roots. She interviews public figures, from actresses to activists to paint a clear image of race in America and the experiences of Black Americans.
Pod Save The People. In short, this is a podcast on “activism, social justice, culture and politics.” By examining issues that disproportionately impact people of color, Pod Save The People will help you better understand race’s part in current events.
What to Do.
Sign Petitions. Here is a list of pending petitions which have yet to meet their goal. Signing takes less than a minute and has the power to facilitate concrete change!
Protest. If you cannot physically protest, there are still a number of ways to contribute to protestors efforts. Donating to bail funds helps protestors who have been arrested get out of jail quickly. You can also help protestors by providing masks, waters, signs and food. It is as easy as setting up shop at certain points on a protest’s route and offering resources to the marchers. If you do choose to go, know your rights as a protestor.
Call elected officials. Call about a resolution to resolution to condemn police brutality, racial profiling, and use of excessive force. Learn more here.
Vote. Take it to the polls! With the election coming up, we all have the power to stand up for the Black community and elect officials who will enact legislation that combats systemic racism.
Become a legal observer. The National Lawyer’s Guild offers a Legal Observer Program which trains citizens to monitor police behavior at protests to hold them accountable. Learn more here.
Stay informed. We are all responsible for our own learning and one of the best way to stay informed is to regularly check the news.
What to Follow.
Official Black Lives Matter
Instagram: @blklivesmatter
Twitter: @blklivesmatter
Color of Change
Instagram: @colorofchange
Twitter: @ColorOfChange
The Conscious Kid
Instagram: @theconsciouskid
Twitter: @consciouskidlib
NAACP
Instagram: @naacp
Twitter: @NAACP
The Center for Cultural Power
Instagram: @culturestrike
Twitter: @CultureStrike
ACLU
Instagram: @aclu_nationwide
Twitter:
Equal Justice Initiative:
Instagram: @eji_org
Twitter: @eji_org
Activist Nupol Kiazolu Instagram: @nupol_justice
Activist Deray Twitter: @deray
Activist Bree Newsome Bass Twitter: @BreeNewsome
What to Buy.
McMullen. Founded by Sherri McMullen in Oakland, CA, McMullen offers brands you’ve already heard of and brands you’ll love to discover. It’s an all-inclusive shop focused on empowering women and screams TWW. (Photo from McMullen website).
Lingua Nigra Jewelry. Lingua Nigra is a Chicago-based jewelry company, founded by Alicia Goodwin. Each piece is uniquely hand-made from brass, silver and gold. (Photo from Lingua Nigra website).
UNOETH. The father-daughter duo, Dagne and Xiomara, brings you handmade leather goods from Ethiopia. (Photo from UNOETH website).
The Honey Pot. Founded by Bea Dixon, The Honey Pot is natural feminine care made by women, for women. (Photo By MelaninASS).
Bright Black Candles. “Empowered. Bold. Beautiful.” These candles and blog are family-made to share “positive narratives about Blackness.” (Photo from website).
Jungalow. Justina Blakeney’s home decor company brings color and creativity to your home, while giving back to non-profits like the ACLU and planting two trees for every purchase made. (Photo from website).
Expedition Subsahara. Sofi Seck founded this incredible home decor company out of a desire to improve girls’ education in Senegal. (Photo from website).
YOWIE. YOWIE is a curated home and life shop located founded by Shannon Maldonado. (Photo from website).
Beneath Your Mask. Founded by Dana Jackson, Beneath Your Mask offers skincare rooted in authenticity and her experiences with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. (Photo from website).
KlurSkin. This clean, ethical and inclusive brand, founded by Leslie Thornton, offers an array of skincare products based on the ethos of human connection. (Photo from My Two Pence).
Hyper Skin. Founded by Desiree Verdajo after her obstacles with skincare during pregnancy, Hyper Skin’s Vitamin C serum combats dark circles and brightens your skin. (Photo from Beauty Independent).
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