Get Involved in the BLM Movement

By: Gabrielle Johnson

Do you want to get involved in the BLM movement? If so, there are many places to start, no matter your age, race, or socioeconomic status.

Since the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota, America and the rest of the world have experienced waves of protests, push for change, and a heightened interest in the BLM movement. Here are some ways that you can get involved:  

1. Educate Yourself

The first way that you can make a change is simply by educating yourself, friends, and family about the issue. The easiest way to educate yourself is to talk to professionals and conduct your own research.  

Talk to Professionals

One way that you can educate yourself is by reaching out to those who are knowledgeable about these issues. You can contact a history professor, local historian, or cultural center for more information. These people will have factual information that can help you make informed statements and actions.

If you are unsure how to find these people, email your world history professor or local library for guidance.

Conduct Research on Your Own

Before or after you speak with a professional, you can conduct research on your own. You may want to look up race relations in the United States, the Civil Rights era, or the Black Lives Matter movement. You can also lookup individuals like Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, or Malcolm X.

When you are conducting your own research, remember to check for any potential biases. The easiest way to check for this is to see who funds the book or article.

2. Become an Active Citizen  

Once you are educated on this issue, you can go on to make informed decisions and become an active citizen. Being an active citizen is absolutely needed. Here are some ways to become an active citizen that speaks out about racial injustice:

Donate

One of the easiest ways to make a change is to donate to different foundations. Common foundations include:

• Black Voters Matter Fund 
• Color of Change 
• Black Lives Matter Network

Click here for more places to donate.

Contact your State Representatives or Local Government Officials

If you do not have extra money to spare, that’s okay. There are plenty of free ways to show your support. Most notably, you can email your state representatives and local government officials. By doing this, you will let your leaders know that this issue is important to your community.

Be Loud on Social Media

You can also post on social media. Posting on social media can spread awareness about the issue. You can post links to helpful articles you’ve read or connect to other supporters.  

3. Support Black Businesses, Artists, etc.

Finally, you can support the black community simply by supporting black businesses, entrepreneurs, artists, etc. Here is a list of popular black-owned businesses:

Cosmetics and Skincare

• Beauty Bakerie: Vegan, non-toxic, and cruelty-free lipstick brand
• Mented Cosmetics: Cosmetics with an inclusive line of shades

Fashion

• BLK MKT Vintage: Vintage collectible clothing that celebrates black culture
• Hope for Flowers: Sustainable clothing for women

Food

• McBride Sisters Collection: Winery staffed with 90% women and over 50% people of color
• Forty Acres Fresh Market: Pop-up grocery that provides underserved neighborhoods with fresh food

Finance

• Esusu: Mobile platform that helps people save money, capital, and build credit
•  One United Bank: Largest black-owned bank

Click here for more Black-owned businesses to support.

Conclusion

It is important to get active during this time. The only way for all American citizens to experience true freedom and equality is for us all to band together to fight systematic racism and oppression.

To begin your advocacy in the movement, educate yourself, become an active citizen, and support black businesses. Also, encourage friends, family, and chapter-members to do the same. Only through group accountability, knowledge, and work can this issue be resolved.