Black Lives Matter: How Can You Create Change?
A grand social shift is being experienced by the global community. Regardless of where you are, or who you may be, this can no longer be denied. The conversations and experiences surrounding inequality - particularly anti-black racism - have been occurring internationally for years. They have often fallen on deaf ears and wait for yet another spark, another event that would make people really listen to the words that have been uttered for years. This year that spark came in the form of George Floyd.
George Floyd is not the only black man who has been unlawfully killed by the authorities; likewise, it is extremely important to remember that black men are not the only victims of systemic racism and police brutality. Black women have similarly faced these issues and met their untimely deaths due to these realities. However, their names, bodies, and legacies have been pushed under the carpet due to other socio-political issues at play. The #SayHerName movement aims at raising awareness of this very issue.
Since Floyd’s death on May 25th, protests have taken place globally: across the United States, Australia, England, Tokyo, France, Berlin, The Netherlands, and Trinidad. They continue to take place today. The protests are being held to support the Black Lives Matter movement and to fight the inequalities present in each country. The mainstream media’s coverage of the protests and events surrounding the movement have begun to diminish, and for many it is believed that the protests have had their day and the fight is over. Individuals are still being harmed and killed unlawfully by those in power; there is still unfair treatment inherent to the political and cultural systems at play. Therefore it is important that we keep fighting for change.
It is understandable that people believe the refrain ‘I am only one person, what could I possibly do that would help?’. With governments becoming complacent by displaying empty gestures, it is easy to believe that ‘if they can’t do anything, then neither can I.’ It must be remembered that governments are not unable to do anything, it is simply that they refuse to do the things that will really create change.
Like most things, creating change ‘from the bottom’ is difficult and it definitely does not occur overnight; it is even more difficult to spark political and social change. Social and political change will take us to unify as one voice, educate ourselves daily, and question the world around us - the same world that has been fed to us as a delusion: a utopia. So, what can we really continue to do outside of protests?
There are many things that can be done daily, including many things which don’t seem like they can encourage radical change but are actually the key to evolving positively.
1. Ask questions about the world around you daily.
When you see something occurring that you know is wrong, ask yourself:
· What is wrong about this?
· Is this the first time this has happened?
· Why has this been allowed to happen?
· What am I doing to prevent it from happening?
This does not need to be something that directly puts lives and safety at risk: this can be a friend or family member expressing a racist belief, or a belief riddled with bias. Equally, these questions can be asked when listening to a politician and reading an article or a comment online.
Questioning what you see daily helps to build an understanding of what is important and can be a means of gauging where you align yourself with these issues. Once you take note of where you are, you can identify more easily where you want to be and make the necessary changes accordingly.
2. Remember, questioning the world around you does not always need to be negative.
When you see something positive occurring, you can ask yourself:
· What is happening?
· Why is this positive?
· Have there been obstacles in the way of this?
· Why has this occurrence carried on despite the obstacles?
· What am I doing to encourage this?
We are often quick to dismiss positive occurrences as it is easy to believe that the current events and conversations that are already happening mean that no more action needs to take place. In reality, if we as individuals can keep participating in these positive occurrences we can create a stronger unified voice. Through this mutual understanding, we can encourage progression.
3. Do your own research as much as possible
Although you may not have answers to or a personal understanding of each situation, this does not mean that you cannot engage in personal research. Although some individuals are open to discussing their experiences, it is not their job to inform others of information that can be easily retrieved via a quick search.
Doing your own research also means you can find alternative sources if something doesn’t make sense to you: you can find the gaps in your own knowledge and fill them as necessary. Doing your own research gives you control, and allows you to paint a fuller picture that makes sense to you on your journey.
4. Keep yourself educated
Keeping yourself educated isn’t as simple as reading an article here and there. By seeking out longer forms of writings by authors and activists, which present a clear argument and approach, you get a clearer and more accurate perspective of what has happened in the past and what is happening now. Educating yourself is not exclusive to reading internet sources like articles and news columns; there are pieces of writing which go back years, and anthologies of writing can be found in local libraries - often you will be able to find PDFs of popular texts online for easier accessibility.
Educate yourself on social histories; most of us live in areas with rich socio-political histories and so seeking out your local history can provide a strong and useful platform from which you can expand your understanding of national and international histories. (This can be the history of entire communities or simply individuals - both are valuable; don’t be afraid to start from the beginning and use various sources).
5. Speak up
It is easy to preach to the choir; there is often an idea that many people are beyond help as their views are completely different to our own…this is not true.
If you engage in even one conversation today there is the chance that you can educate another person, help them to become more consciously aware of what is happening, and enable them to consider a perspective different to their own. Changing the view of an individual today can, in turn, change the views of ten peoples in the long run. Despite how it may seem, engaging in conversation with those with opposing beliefs to ourselves is valuable.
6. Be patient
Again, change does not occur over night. With consistency, changes can cause a domino effect. One small change in policy, for example, in one local council can cause a reconsideration of a wider council’s policy, then a government change which can translate internationally.
Equally, teaching ourselves is difficult. Expecting to understand everything you’ve read puts more pressure on yourself mentally – work at a pace that works for you. One thing learned over a fortnight or a month is better than giving up after one day and never informing yourself further.
7. If you’re not black, centre black voices.
As much as it is important to express what has been learned and experienced as an ally, it is also important not to speak over those that are being directly affected. When discussing anti-black racism and the Black Lives Matter movement, direct people to black voices and black activists, groups, and communities which are putting in the work.
The same applies for your friends – be open to really listening to the experiences, art, and beliefs of your black friends – your friends are just as valuable as larger organisations and vice versa.
8. Remember it’s a privilege to get tired of a movement.
It’s been said time and time again. When educating ourselves, and attempting to keep others informed (whether this be in person or online), it is easy to become overwhelmed. Take breaks. But remain consistent afterwards, when possible.
If education completely stops because you become tired of what’s happening, stop and consider what is more tiring: educating yourself or experiencing the effects of racism daily?
Not everybody has the luxury of simply ignoring what happening in the world, particularly when it affects them physically, mentally, and emotionally each day.
Consistency is key. Consistency ensures that changes will occur in the future to better the lives of those negatively affected.
9. Listen and adapt
It’s important to talk about what is happening and discuss what you’ve learned but if you cannot really listen to the beliefs, experiences, or findings of others then it is unlikely things will change.
Not everybody experiences things in the same way; not everybody navigates the world in the same way, and importantly not everybody learns in the same ways.
Whether you’re in conversation with somebody who is teaching you something, or in conversation with someone who believes in none of the things you believe in, be attentive and listen to what isn’t being said, as much as what is being said. By really listening, without distractions, there’s a higher likelihood you will learn more and take more away from the conversation.
If you’re speaking to somebody with the aim of educating them, listen to them too. What can you tell is their biggest hang-up? Adapt to each individual conversations you’re having and tailor the ways in which you approach these people – some people need more direct approaches whilst others need a calm and collected approach to even consider the words you’re telling them.
Whilst it isn’t our job to educate everybody, it is important that when we do decide to embark on these conversations we do so in the most prepared and considered ways.
In general, if you can adapt, you’re more likely to make consistent changes.
10. Look after yourself
Bettering ourselves takes time, it can often get extremely exhausting, and that is only natural. Give yourself time out when necessary. Mental strain is directly linked to physical strain. We each have our limits and these need to be considered in the work that we’re doing. Many people already face mental and physical hardships; trying to keep on top of added mental pressure of educating ourselves can be impossible at times - this is okay.
If you would take it upon yourself to tell a friend to stop, slow down, or relax, then maybe you should listen to that advice too. No one is of any use when they’re completely burned out.
11. Be aware
In no way is this an extensive list; if this list were to be written tomorrow it would undoubtedly change, with other things mentioned. As much as the aforementioned are important, there is also an element of common sense that goes into it - look at what you can do as an individual. Just because one person can go out and protest weekly does not mean this is accessible for everybody and that is okay - be flexible.
Politics is always altering, and with this our approaches to change must alter too. The most powerful way to help last month may not be necessary today, but our biggest weapon are our voices. Most importantly, our voices when we have embarked on educating ourselves.
This is a conversation that has occurred for years, and will inevitably continue for years to come. But this does not mean that changes cannot be made today. The smaller, individual changes are just as powerful as the larger changes like changes to policy, for example.
Keep the conversations going, trust yourself, and have others in your heart, always. A grand social shift is being experienced and we are controlling it.
Written by Di'mond Qai Sharma-Joseph
As a writer and multidisciplinary artist, Di'mond currently works within the arts, culture, and heritage sector in London, exploring the variety of ways the sector can become more accessible, representative, and engaging for all. When she's not working or facilitating Zine-making workshops, you can find her writing poetry, creating artworks, and bombarding her friends, family and strangers on the internet with articles and movies they will never read or watch. https://www.instagram.com/d_qai/ https://twitter.com/dimondqai