Ally Resources For Supporters Of Black Lives Matter

If you aren't able to be out protesting, there are still tons of ways you can support the current movement for racial justice at home. Here is a list of resources, organizations to donate to, petitions to sign, and a number of other actions you can take from home to help support Black Lives Matter as an ally.

Whether it is on social media or via face-to-face conversations with family members or friends, it's important to have these difficult conversations. The fact that it is an option for you to have conversations about racism, is in itself a privilege. Black people don't get to pretend these issues don't exist — doing so could cost them their lives or their children's lives. Particularly for white people, as you begin educating yourself and others on privilege, this experience will often bring up feelings of shame and guilt, which may cause you to want to quiet down and stop talking about these crucial issues.

Maybe you're afraid you'll say something wrong. Maybe you're afraid you'll upset someone. Maybe you're afraid someone might think you're racist if you mess up. All of those feelings are valid, it's something most white people will go through, but it's your responsibility to push through them. This is the crucial difference between being "not racist" and being anti-racist.

Spreading awareness, as well as using these conversations as an opportunity to promote Black voices and Black stories, is an incredible use of your platform and your privilege. Be prepared for not everyone to agree with you; stay calm and focus on seeking to educate, as well as preparing to be educated yourself by those who may know more. Please remember that an important piece of speaking out is being prepared to recognize that you made a mistake. We are all seeking to do the best we can with the information at hand, but you can take measures to make sure that information is as correct and supportive as it can be by educating yourself.

There is no shame in admitting when you don't know something or learning something new. This is a movement that requires continuous education and learning from each other. Racism is ingrained into every aspect of our lives, the government, our policing systems, even ourselves. Check out a more comprehensive list of reading and other media that can help you in your journey to educate yourself below, but don't underestimate the power of a conversation with others.

However, please be aware: the job of the Black community right now is not to educate you or walk you through their experience. Make sure that you are taking the responsibility of educating yourself, and remember to say "thank you" rather than "I'm sorry" when someone takes the time to correct you. An apology makes the person feel that they have to say, "It's okay" when your mistake is not just okay, however a "thank you" recognizes their work and their effort in reaching out and pointing you on the right path.

However, please be aware: the job of the Black community right now is not to educate you or walk you through their experience. Make sure that you are taking the responsibility of educating yourself, and remember to say "thank you" rather than "I'm sorry" when someone takes the time to correct you.

There are plenty of texts, books, documentaries, articles that Black people have put their thought, effort, and voices behind that can help you educate yourself. You cannot expect them to offer you this information and their time for free. But you can find your answers and support these hard-working creators by subscribing to, reading, and buying their work.

We want to recognize that protesting in the midst of a global pandemic is a dangerous but necessary cause. For all the hundreds of thousands of people who have been impacted by COVID-19 across the past few months, every Black person in our nation and in our history has been impacted by the systemic racism run rampant in our country. Protests are not a matter of convenience. We urge everyone who cannot be out there on the streets to donate financially to these movements to help support and uplift the efforts of these brave protestors. Financial contributions make a huge difference in the tangible change that can be enacted; every dollar counts. Utilize your networks and your platforms to encourage and inspire others to donate as well. It is not your place to assume whether or not someone else has the means to donate and is much more productive to consider your own position and what you can do with your dollar.

In this time of political upheaval unemployment is higher than it's ever been within our generation, if you do not have the means to donate you can still sign petitions, uplift Black stories, call your represenatives and take dozens of other critical actions to help tear down this unjust system. You may not be able to do it all, but you can at least do something. Below you'll find various list of recommended readings, petitions, organizations to donate to, and more. This is by no means an exhaustive list. In fact, we've included a list of other relevant resources list at the bottom of ours. However, as a media publication, we have a responsibility to use our platform to support this movement for racial justice, and we do not take that lightly.

Find out how to register in your state here.

But read this first.

If you are interested in purchasing these books, we recommend you avoid using Amazon or other online retailers that are known to price-gouge during times of increased demand. Rather, use this time of education to also support a Black-owned book story. Here are two lists outlining multiple Black-owned bookstores that often have online purchasing options: African American Literature Book Club's List & AfroTech's List. Is it easier to just hop onto Amazon and click two buttons, yes? Does Amazon need your support right now? Definitely not.

Our above resources list is by no means exhaustive, there will always be more to read, learn, and listen to. We've done our best to point our SWAAY audience in the right direction, but this is not an issue that stops at the end of a list. Many mainstream media sources are not sharing information like this at the rate it must be shared. We recommend some of the following lists if you are looking for more or different information. Additionally, social media has been an incredible resource during this time of crisis and we recommend you use those platforms wisely. In an era where certain media outlets protect the status quo over Black lives, social media has become the de facto voice of the people — use it wisely.