“Racism isn’t getting worse, it’s getting filmed.” – Will Smith
I’ve never found it so hard to add words to a blank page. The past few days have really made me question what kind of world we live in. Trying to write on behalf of the black community, and coming to terms with the pain, fear and difficulty that they experience throughout their lives.
George Floyd: Rest In Power
Watching the video of George Floyd made me feel sick, angry and upset. It is not as if we are blind to the situation but seeing it on film puts the situation into a totally new perspective. No human being deserves to be treated in such an inhumane way. Unfortunately this is the world we live in, but we need to open our eyes and use our privilege to make a substantial difference. We cannot forget about George Floyd and the many others who have suffered and been silenced.
We know that this is circulating all over your social media and we should already be speaking up, raising awareness and fighting for change.
Bims Ayorinde known as @wipbee on Instagram shares her artwork as well as spreading awareness of racism towards the black community.
This is her take on the situation as a young black woman:
“Being Born Black”
“The recent stories this past week concerning racism against the black community have mentally drained me. I am sick and tired of being sick and tired. I drew this piece to focus on how we are treated for something that we cannot change, something we are born with and something that I am extremely proud to be. The thing with racism, is that it makes you feel so helpless – you say to yourself ‘what can I do?’.
When people continue to discriminate and oppress you over the same thing and nothing is done about it? It’s a horrible feeling. No matter how many of us you lock up, no matter how many of us you kill, you will never silence us and you will never stop us from being proud of who we are. We want change and we want it now – this has gone on for too long.
Although some of you will never be able to understand what we go through, it’s about showing awareness that this is happening, and it has been happening for hundreds of years. You may think that by doing things such as sharing posts and signing petitions does nothing, but I assure you it goes an extremely long way.
We are lucky enough to live in a day and age that we have things such as social media and phones where we can reach and connect to thousands of people; we can all do our part to help to make sure justice is served – so why don’t we? Nobody is above this – just because it is not happening to you doesn’t mean it’s not happening to other people, understand your privilege and do your part. Reach out to people, educate yourselves on the matter, because this is real and this is happening.”
@wipbee
Speak up:
This is such a heavy topic to talk about, but it shouldn’t be one where you are afraid to speak up. There is only so much awareness we can raise but the main issue is people just aren’t educated enough. Yes, your social media is probably bombarded with posts right now and many are ignoring them, but sharing posts is one way people are going to learn. Ignorance is the biggest killer, don’t let your privilege allow you to shy yourself away from the truth.
Here are a few post that can broaden your knowledge:
How you can help:
Signing petitions and donating is one way you can help and it is vital to do so. In addition, educating yourself on the topic is just as important via reading, talking to your friends and family and becoming more aware of what is going on. We cannot let this be a social media trend and instead confront this issue, taking a step forward.
Here are a few petitions that are vital to sign:
Justice for George Floyd:
Raise the degree:
Officer Derek Chauvin was just taken into state custody for the murder of George Floyd. This would not have happened without massive grassroots pressure.
Listen. THIS IS NOT ENOUGH. Officers Thomas Lane, Tou Thao and J. Alexander Kueng are still free. Let’s make the most of our momentum and demand they be arrested and charged now.
Demand the officers who killed George Floyd are charged with murder:
A useful website with further ways to help including petitions and ways to donate:
https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co
Split a donation between 70+ community bail funds, mutual aid funds, and racial justice organisers:
https://secure.actblue.com/donate/bail_funds_george_floyd
MORE USEFUL RESOURCES:
Anti-racism resources – Books, Film & TV, Instagram accounts to follow
https://docs.google.com/document/d/11JZ3Y0YD_ctqZyyRvR826SBQC7R_r9xtC2oTEacNP9M/mobilebasic
Petitions, donation funds and further resources including Youtube videos where 100% ad revenue will be donated to various BLM organisations
Google Docs with learning resources – Academic, Documentaries, Podcasts etc.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RwummvhwOujj3gAGQ5wwHVluTnoYjOX6X9uVNBKwn7I/mobilebasic
Overall, I hope people have realised how privileged they are not worrying that they may die because of the system. Educate yourself because it is a non-figurative matter of life and death. Making small changes will make a huge difference. Awareness and action.
Don’t be afraid to have the conversation.
Black Lives Matter.
Mansi and Malaika x