How To Support The Black Lives Matter Movement In Ireland

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It has been just over one week since African American citizen George Floyd died in police custody in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Since then, the unjust death of Floyd has sparked global outrage, with distressing scenes playing out across the US in particular. Watching on in horror on this side of the water can lead to feelings not only of upset but helplessness too.

However, while the current COVID-19 pandemic means that we can’t all react and act in the way that we would like to, there are still ways to support the movement here in Ireland, regardless of the situation.

Here are some of the ways you can stand in solidarity.

Use Your Voice

Social media is fertile ground for making your thoughts and opinions heard. Now more than ever we are using our phones on a regular basis, so share your thoughts and support. If you have been the victim of racism share your story, if you feel outraged by current events and believe it’s finally time for change then say it.

Positively using your online real-estate can have a huge impact on the future of society. Whether you have 1 follower or 1 million followers, at the minute the world is watching so use your voice to be heard and put yourself on the right side of history.

You can also make your voice heard by signing the many petitions that are circulating, here are a few:

– Justice for George

–Protect Afro-textured Hair 

–A letter to the minister regarding Direct Provision in Ireland 

–#wecantbreathe

Donate 

If you have money to spare there are a number of notable places to fund. Here are just a few:

-George Floyd’s family set up a go fund me page to help cover funeral and legal costs, you can find it here.

-The spotlight has been shone on racism across the world, including in Ireland. Charities such as Doras, INAR, and Amnesty.ie are among these working towards a more fair and equal society in Ireland.

-The Minnesota Freedom Fund was set up to pay for bail that many protesters can’t afford, you can contribute to that here.

If you don’t have any spare money to donate, there are still ways you can fund the movement. Some YouTubers are donating the money they earn from YouTube ads to the BLM movement, so all you have to do is watch the full video, ads included, and the money earned will go straight to BLM.

Sophia and Cinzia are one duo who are donating their Adsense money (check out the video in full here) while the money earned from Maddie Cidlik’s Black Lives Matter video will also be funded towards the movement.

Educate 

The most important thing you can do to support the Black Lives Matter movement is to educate ourselves and those around us. This could be done by reading books and information resources, watching films and documentaries, and following those who seek to educate.

Some Irish artists you can follow who are using their social media platforms to speak out about racial injustice to educate others are:

–Erica Cody

–Emma Dabiri 

–Nadine Reid 

–Yellowman

Books you can buy include:

–Don’t Touch My Hair – by Emma Dabiri

–Why I’m No Longer Talking To White People About Race – by Reni Eddo-Lodge

–The Hate You Give – by Angie Thomas

–White Supremacy And Me – by Layla F Saad

– Such A Fun Age – by Kiley Reid

Essential Viewing:

–13th 

–Strong Island 

–When They See Us 

–Becoming 

• #BlackLivesMatter