How to support #BlackLivesMatters, amplify black artists & activists during this time, and how to challenge bias in ourselves & others
A blog by Christelle Pellecuer & Mina Drobna
Our team at BSWN stands in solidarity with Black communities in the UK, US and worldwide during this difficult time. The death of George Floyd, Tony McCade, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Eric Garner, Michael Brown in the US and Mark Duggan, Sheku Bayoh, Leon Patterson, and Sean Rigg in the UK and too many others are testimony that systematic racism is prevalent in our society. It is time to reiterate again and again that BLACK LIVES MATTER.
So what can we all do during this time to support each other, our colleagues and friends, and to challenge biased views?
Taking Action
Challenging racial injustice and discrimination is at the core of everything that BSWN does. The recent events in the US and the disproportionate impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on Black & Minoritised communities have brought the world into a deep mourning, sadness and anger. Marches and protests are taking place all over the world and reflect the deeper frustrations of the Black community over police brutality but also with social injustice and inequality. It is clear that there is a need for real change how structural racism and racial inequalities are addressed.
Marsha P. Johnson (left) & Sylvia Rivera (right)
To protest is our right and if you are taking part in any march in Bristol, we hope you will keep safe and protect yourself with social distancing. There have been many voices questioning whether protesting is of any use, and whether it doesn’t do more damage than good. One only has to take into consideration that while we all celebrate pride month, the whole movement about gay rights and freedom was started in 1969 through the Stonewall riots led by Black and Latina transgender women. Their activism was loud, but the impact of their actions remains a legacy in our communities.
This is a time to speak out. To be silent is to be complicit. But we must do more than just speaking out. It is through speaking out, acting and engaging that we can begin to move towards a diverse, tolerant and inclusive society. Everyone, individual as well as organisation, has an important role to play in recognising and challenging oppression, racism and injustice. Awareness, education and action is vital.
Credit: Willie Bester, Tribute to Steve Biko (1992)
Protest and solidarity through art
Protest art has a prominent place in 20th century, from Picasso’s Guernica (1937) to the art by Willie Bester, one of South Africa’s most vocal artists against the apartheid.
In 2017, the role of art in confronting important political and social issues was brought to the forefront at a new exhibition at the Whitney in New York. ‘An Incomplete History of Protest’ aimed to examine artists who have become activists in order to help create a better future.
Protest art has especially risen in popularity as a medium to comment on socio-political themes in the last 30 years with the rise of social media and better access to share artistic voice with an immediate audience.
Many Black artists and allies have also been using their art to further the message of solidarity that has been much needed and thankfully present in many forms across communities in the US and UK. Examples of this solidarity art is below: Quentin Monge (left) and Iconeo (right).
Especially during these difficult times where black artists struggle due to Covid-19, it is essential to show support for their work, which contributes to our cultural awareness and life on a daily basis. Jessica Lanyadoo put a list of suggested Black activists and artists to follow and support on Instagram and through donations/buying their art:
How can I take part if I don’t want to attend a protest?
There is no one way to show your support and take part in the movement. From sharing useful guides to ally-ship, resources to educate yourself and your friends, silently donating or posting on social media and contributing to the online debate – there is no one way to take part.
Below are some useful resources to bring awareness, to educate or to take action. The list is not comprehensive, but it is a starting point to start the conversation:
Black Lives Matter is a global organisation in the US, UK, and Canada, whose mission is to eradicate white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities.
The National Memorial Family Fund is a resource specifically for those that are affected by deaths in custody in the UK.
Stop and Search – Know your rights. Liberty UK has advice on stop and search.
SARI provides support and education in diversity and ethnic awareness and specialises in race and faith based hate crime.
Anti-Racist Resource Guide with useful tips, suggestions for reading and support for key organisations
The danger of single story by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Let's get to the root of racial injustice by Megan Ming Francis
The dangers whitewashing Black History by David Ikard
50 years of racism – why silence isn’t the answer by James A. White Sr.
Just belonging: finding the courage to interrupt bias by Kori Carew
Credit: Ohhappydani
ALLYSHIP
Guide to Allyship online resources for allies.
Uprooting Racism: How White People Can Work for Racial Justice by Paul Kivel (book)
I am Drowning In Whiteness - Ijeoma Oluo
Black Girl Dangerous - How to Tell the Difference Between Real Solidarity and ‘Ally Theater’
Performative Allyship is Deadly - Here’s what we should be doing instead
The bar for ‘White allies’ is absurdly low and I’m tired of watching them be praised for reaching it
Accomplices Not Allies: Abolishing the Ally Industrial Complex
BOOKS
Why I am no longer talking to white people about Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge
Brit(ish): On Race, Identity and Belonging by Afua Hirsh
Natives: Class and Race in the Ruins of Empire by Akala
Black and British: A Forgotten History by David Olusoga
The Good Immigrant by Nikesh Shukla
Me and White Supremacy by Layla F. Saad
White Fragility: why it’s so hard for white people to talk about Racism by Robin DiAngelo
An Essential Reading Guide for fighting racism
23 Phenomenal Young Adult Books By Black Authors From The First Half Of 2020