Black Lives Matter - What Can We Do?
Racial tension is high, so how can we respond?
Since the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, our country has responded so strongly with outrage and anxiety levels are high and real. Many of us are asking, “What can we do? How can we make a difference?” I have started conversations with many people I know to try to get an idea of how they are reacting to the tragedy and what are they doing to answer the call for action. Here are a few ideas I’ve come up with, I’d love to hear from you.
Educate Ourselves. This National Book Award Winner tells the history of how racist ideas were created, spread, and deeply rooted in American society.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”
Educate our kids. There are many good books out there. Black is a Rainbow Color is about “A child who reflects on the meaning of being Black in this moving and powerful anthem about a people, a culture, a history, and a legacy that lives on.”
Ask a friend. Talk to someone who may be reacting to the situation differently. Find out their suggestions on how we can do something to move forward in a positive, meaningful way. It’s always good to get a perspective you may not have thought of.
Be Active!
As a teacher, we spend the month of February learning about famous Black Americans living and dead who have helped shape our nation. We make posters, give presentations, and read many books not only about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. but people like Sojourner Truth, Benjamin Banneker and Louis Armstrong. I think it’s important for children, and adults alike, to know our country was built on important contributions from these people. Now I’m thinking this isn’t enough. I need to get up.
Attend a peaceful rally.
LA Pride Parade and Festival announced a solidarity protest march in response to racial injustice, systemic racism, and all forms of oppression on June 14, 10 a.m. Hollywood Bowl. Look for something near you.
Some other ideas …
Visit a museum. One of my favorites was the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. Most major cities have museums dedicated to Black History.
Watch a movie. My favorite all-time movie, and it just happens to be about racism is Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner.
Make a donation.
Follow us on Instagram to get updates with new ideas. Let me know what you are doing.
Photos by…Mary Van Hiel, Vince Fleming, and Amazon Books.
mary has something to say…
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