Here’s why you need to care, and how you can do your part as an ally
We are in the midst of historic and uncertain times, where a global pandemic is effecting everyone and racial injustice is the worst I’ve ever witnessed. There has been an overwhelming amount of police brutality in the spotlight lately, and I have cried almost everyday from a different video of a black person being beaten or killed by the police or other horrible racists.
I’ve been heartbroken seeing all the lives lost, as have many others. And just like many others, that sadness is turning into anger. I have always loved, supported, and cared for all lives but many evil individuals lack the same morals. Finding the right words for this situation is difficult, but I admit I have lacked in actively showing support and I can’t stand idly by any longer and not involve myself in this movement.
Just like SO many people, I LOVE and appreciate black culture. The fashion, music, art, lingo, and so much more has always been an inspiration to people and cultures. But I will never understand how you can love a culture and hate the people that created it.
Everything going on right now is disheartening and infuriating. From racial profiling, police brutality, looting, peaceful protesters being attacked, white people using BLM as an excuse to riot, military involvement, enforced curfew, and most importantly the murders of innocent black people. But many of these things prove one important fact: the movement is being heard, and we can’t stop now.
George Floyd tried to make a purchase when he was informed that his money was fake. He offered to give the items back, as he didn’t realize he was using counterfeit money. Shortly after he was arrested and pinned down by his neck with the knee of a cop for nine minutes. George was murdered by a cop he had known for years prior.
Justin Cosby was protesting when he was beaten unconscious by police and taken into custody. He was held for nearly two days while the police lied about his location and carelessly avoided questions about him. They refused to let this 19 year old boy even contact his mother. He returned home safely and because of that he is considered “lucky”.
Here you can see police carry his lifeless body across the street, and drop him when they no longer feel like carrying him.
Dion Johnson was driving when he decided he needed to pull over and sleep. While he was resting, a Phoenix DPS officer approached his vehicle and shot and murdered him. He was unarmed and asleep. The cop failed to use a body cam during this, and has failed to file a police report on the incident.
Philando Castile was driving armed when he was pulled over with his girlfriend and her daughter. After immediately informing the police of his weapon, he reached for his license and registration as requested, then he was shot seven times.
Here you can see the heart wrenching video of his girlfriend and her 4 year old daughter being detained while this happened.
Kendrick Johnson was attending high school before his body was found rolled in a gym mat. The death of the 17 year old was ruled an accident, due to the suspects father being in the FBI. Hours of security camera footage from the school was missing from the day of his death, as were his organs when he was discovered stuffed with newspaper.
Here you can watch a video from Anonymous explaining the timeline of events.
These are just 5 examples out of SO MANY. So what can you do? GET INVOLVED. SHOW SUPPORT.
Start by signing petitions. Here you can find links to tons of petitions that need to be signed. To bring justice to the murdered. To raise awareness. To help survivors.
Use your voice. Be an advocate for black people. Call out racists you know. Stand up to anyone encouraging injustice. But use your voice peacefully. Use it to protect others, not danger them.
Donate! If you can’t donate financially (and even if you can), you can donate supplies and your time. Protestors need supplies like water and milk, and any amount will help. Many organizations could use volunteers during this time, and you can watch YouTube videos that are donating all the ad revenue (the more you watch the more you donate).
Here you can find ways to donate to the victims.
Here you can find ways to donate to the protestors.
Here you can find ways to donate to black-owned businesses damaged from the riots.
Here you can find ways to donate to organizations.
Here you can find the YouTube video that is donating its profits to support BLM, as well as a streaming playlist here.
Peacefully protest if you can! Personally I have been unable to protest, but I have so much respect for those who have been peacefully protesting. Don’t go looting or rioting, be there to protect black lives. To help amplify their voice. Be there to help and bring attention to the cause, not yourself.
I also feel compelled to share another video I saw. This video shows an elderly man walking with a cane who is then violently pushed to the ground by police for NO REASON. The cops obviously notice the cameras and rush to help him up. You can see it here.
Black lives matter. It’s true all lives SHOULD matter, but they can’t until black lives do. During these times it’s crucial to be kind. Love people. Listen to black people. Be an ally. And finally, get the most accurate and up to date news from SOCIAL MEDIA.
