George Floyd.
Ahmaud Arbery.
Breonna Taylor.
No peace, no justice.
Black Lives Matter.
In the span of just a few weeks, these words hold more meaning than ever before. The Black Lives Matter movement has deservingly become a worldwide catalyst for change, demanding justice for the oppressed.
These names and many more are now forever engrained in our minds, reminding us of the racial discrimination prevalent in the world.
BLM, as the name suggests, is an organized movement advocating for non-violent protests against incidents of police brutality against African-American people.
The movement strives to shine light upon the multitude of tragedies occurring in the United States and urges people to take action. With every person joining this cause, we are slowly but surely moving one step closer towards racial equality.
BLM has become a monumental event that will surely be remembered in history books years from now for its great work against racism. Although the movement holds so much strength and significance, as a teenager, it can often feel overwhelming.
The wave of information and horrific stories is heartbreaking. It can be difficult to process the nightmare that is a reality to so many. Especially as a teen living miles away from America, I found it confusing to understand the fundamentals of the issue and identify exactly how I could help make a change.
Nevertheless, from my research and experience, as well as that of my fellow classmates, I have found some small but impactful ways that we too can be a part of the movement, regardless of our age, race, or where we live.
Research, engage in insightful conversations and educate yourself.
Learn about the issue.
What is the root of the problem?
Who has been affected?
What’s at stake?
There are various websites that you can use to understand BLM and the many specific ways in which you can help. Reading more about the tragic death of George Floyd and many many more, you begin to realize the incredibly long history of racism that is the underlying cause of this movement.
Once you know more about the subject, discuss it with your friends and family.
Start a conversation.
It does so much more than you think.
Sign petitions, donate and spread awareness.
As Martin Luther King Jr. wisely stated, “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
Even though these issues might not be as evident in our hometown, it is still our duty to help. As simple as it is, signing a petition can really make a difference. It only takes a few minutes to sign your name on a petition. But these petitions hold great power, bringing justice and persuading courts to convict wrongful police members.
You can also donate to organizations that are directly helping the cause. However big or small the amount, it helps. Another crucial part of the process is spreading awareness on the topic.
This can involve posting on social media and showing your support for the movement. Here are just a few of the hundreds of petitions available for you to sign and help with: Justice For George Floyd. Justice for Breonna Taylor. Justice for Ahmaud Arbery.
Be more mindful.
Even if you don’t hold those beliefs, it can be easy to say something that you don’t realize is racist. It’s important to put more thought into sayings and jokes that actually convey a darker meaning. Saying things like “all lives matter,” “stop being so sensitive,” “I don’t see color,” “you’re pretty for a Black girl” all have a significantly more negative effect than we imagine.
Think about what you say.
Put even just a little more effort into being respectful, considerate, and empathetic.
“There becomes a time when silence is betrayal.”
The posts of Instagram may have died down and it may seem like enough has been done, but that is not the case. The voices of many together, including various teenagers, have made a difference but there is so much work yet to be done. Let us not be a bystander. Now is not the time to stay quiet.
Even if you’re not causing the problem, it’s still crucial to take action, however small, to make a change. By staying silent, one is only enabling oppression and injustice.
Remember that “in a racist society, it is not enough to be non-racist. We must be anti-racist (Angela Davis).”
Srishti Gummaraju is an international student pursuing high school studies in Kyiv. She is an avid reader, linguist, active student community member, interested in exploring new cultures, and hopes to pursue higher studies in communications and international relations.
