Before I begin with this post, I would like to acknowledge that this current season can be very difficult for some, I know it has been difficult for me
As much as you would want to learn, support, educate, teach and do so much more on this matter- I URGE YOU to take breaks from social media when needed, distance yourself if you need to and renew your mind. You may feel guilty for doing so, but your mental health is imperative at this time. I do have a blogpost on improving mental health whilst in quarantine and I believe it can help in this time also, please read Your Mental Health in this Quarantine Period.
Hey!
We are in trying times right now. The current situation in America, where black people are constantly under threat of losing their lives, for simply being a human being is rising. It has become so severe that it is currently being reviewed by the United Nations as it being “a human right violation” and the debate being held is of a request from Burkina Faso and 54 other African countries (According to CBS News)
Here is a list of resources to help you + help the movement:
1.Justice for George Floyd : https://act.colorofchange.org/sign/justiceforfloyd_george_floyd_minneapolis
This petition for Mr George Floyd, causes simply for justice. We have had progress as all officers involved were charged, however we need reform in the way police do their job. They need the correct amount of training, education and awareness and signing this petition can help
2.Justice for Breonna Taylor:
Breonna Taylor was an EMT who was sleeping in her home when the LPD barged in and shot her 8 times after an unannounced drug raid at her home. Since then the “no-knock” warrant which allows law enforcement to enter a property without knocking or announcing prior they are entering, has been made into “Breonna’s Law” which bans the warrant in Kentucky. However, the police officers involved are yet to be charged
3. Justice for Belly Mujinga:
https://www.change.org/p/govia-thameslink-justice-for-belly-mujinga-justiceforbellymujinga
Belly Mujinga worked at London Victoria’s rail station and contracted COVID-19 after being assaulted by a man with the virus. They have since closed her case since after concluding that her death was not linked to the assault. Alongside the protests in America, she has also been one of the main reasons why people are protesting here in the UK.
Resources I have found useful :
13th , Netflix, Ava Duvernay
13th is a documentary by Ava Duvernay which documents how slavery was abolished by the 13th amendment, except as punishment for conviction of a crime, leading to black men being arrested and forced to work under convict labour. One thing that amazed me about this doc, is how black people were portrayed as criminals through movies, adverts and TV shows
When They See Us, Netflix, Ava Duvernay:
When they see us tells the story of the exonerated Central Park 5, who at the time of just being teenagers were accused of assaulting a white woman who was jogging in Central Park at the time. This shocked me the core, especially the last episode which focused more on the story of Korey Wise and his traumatic ordeal whilst in prison.
Time: The Kalief Browder Story, Netflix, Jenner Furst
This docu-series tells the tragic story of Kalief Browder, a student at the time who was imprisoned at Rikers Island, spent two years in solitary confinement without ever being convicted of a crime. It focuses a lot on the prion system, how families are unable to pay bail set at very high amounts. It really does highlight how unfair the justice system is
Thank you for reading, there are many more resources and links out there – and don’t think you are not doing enough, a simple retweet, post or prayer can make a difference.
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