Communicating Your Support for #BlackLivesMatter: Dos, Don’ts, and Resources
The murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, MN, USA has set off international protests against systemic racism and over-policing of black communities. As an organization, we fully support the Black Lives Matter movement.
Communication around this topic needs to be extremely thoughtful and not unintentionally cause harm or further trauma to Black communities.
THINGS TO DO
Amplify Black voices. We’ve included some Twitter lists to follow in the Resources section.
#SayHerName - Black women and Black Trans lives matter and deserve the same recognition and outpouring of support as we fight for Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade and the countless others.
Educate yourself before speaking. Share resources (below). This list is not exhaustive but a good starting point.
Capitalize the “B” in Black when talking about Black people or communities.
Recognize that POC is NOT the same as Black. Not all people of color have the same experience of racism as Black people.
Use the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter
If you make a mistake, own up to it. We can’t hold institutions accountable if we don’t hold ourselves accountable. Acknowledge harm, apologize, and do the research yourself, without asking someone else to do the work for you.
If your Pod decides to protest, share resources to do so safely. Know your rights and legal resources as a protester, protect yourself, and protect against COVID-19. And listen to the people who are leading the protests - if they ask allies to take a step back, do it.
Utilize warnings and/or disclaimers preceding the discussion of the brutalization of Black bodies. See this Twitter thread for helpful guidance on how to use warnings.
Promote organizations committed to combating racism and over-policing, particularly those local to your own community. If you’re looking for places to donate to, this article has some ideas, organized by city.
Support and promote Black-owned businesses in your community.
Work to Get Out the Vote, supporting policies and positions that support the movement for Black Lives.
Note: as a 501(c)3 organization, we cannot support specific candidates or parties, but we can support policies and positions that align with our core values.
THINGS NOT TO DO
Do NOT share violent images and/or videos depicting the harming of black bodies.
Do NOT use the hashtag #AllLivesMatter. This is a white supremacist slogan designed to diminish the movement and violates our core values to promote equity and justice as an organization.
Do NOT double down on ignorance. Listen to and center Black voices.
RESOURCES
Note: This list is not exhaustive but a good starting point.
TWITTER LISTS TO FOLLOW
Black AF in STEM, organizers of #BlackBirdersWeek
Black and STEM’s list of lists to find Black researchers by discipline
BLACKSTEM Global’s list of influencers
Black Lives Matter’s list of chapters
BOOKS TO READ
From #BlackLivesMatter to Black Liberation by Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor
Stay Woke: A People's Guide to Making All Black Lives Matter by Tahama Lopez Bunyasi and Candice Watts Smith
When They Call You a Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Memoir by Asha Bandele and Patrisse Cullors
How to be an Anti-Racist by Ibram X. Kendi
The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander
Making All Black Lives Matter by Barbara Ransby
Arrested Justice by Beth Richie
So you want to talk about race by Ijeoma Oluo
ONLINE RESOURCES & ARTICLES
#SayHerName Debrief compiled by the African American Policy Forum
Why You Need to Stop Saying "All Lives Matter" by Rachel Cargle
The Great Unlearn Online Learning Platform created by Rachel Cargle
Template For Holding Your Employer Accountable For Racial Justice by Whitney Evans
Public Address On Revolution: Revolution Now by Rachel Cargle
Is Prison Necessary? Ruth Wilson Gilmore Might Change Your Mind.
Save the Tears: White Woman’s Guide by Tatiana Mac
Campaign Zero, with evidence-based policy solutions to policing in America
Millions of Amy Coopers by Adrienne Green
This List is Anti-Racist by Kathy Burnette of Brain Lair Books