I want to preface this post by saying that I in no way am pretending to understand the pain, grief, suffering, or trauma experienced by victims of racially charged crimes and years of oppression…
Last week I asked a question about “influencers” on my Instagram. I was curious to see who would want to be an “influencer”, and what type would they be. The results were interesting. But when I planned this article it was very different than what you are reading now. That’s not the article that needs to be written now. What needs to be spoken about now is the violence that is being targeted towards our black brothers and sisters. It’s hard to find the words to say the things I want to, so please bare with me…
Social media has become a reality in itself. It has become a window. A light. A tool. A weapon. A network. An organizer. An activist. An infrastructure through which to mobilize and take action. Many people feel powerless in the face of events such as those occurring at the moment, however that is simply not true. The answers and solutions are available and I hope to keep this post brief and simply provide insight into how to support the #blacklivesmatter movement.
USE your social media for GOOD. Become an influencer, influencing change in our society. DEMAND JUSTICE. CHECK the sources that you are re-posting, do you due diligence. USe your platform, even if you don’t think you have one. Understand the implications of what you post, and only post what brings value to the greater community. PAY ATTENTION to what your more “educated” peers and leaders in the movement are saying. Understand them. Hear them. Follow their instructions as they are the protagonists of this movement, not you. (I am specifically speaking to non-black folks like myself).
Below is a website put together by a fellow Syracuse Student that consolidates a lot of good resources, both to LEARN from and to ACT on.
If you can’t protest, mobilize the power of social media and the resources available to support those that need us. DONATING is one of the most effective means by which to support this movement. Re-posting a story is not enough. Below are places to get started.
https://www.joincampaignzero.org/#campaign
This is a time to be part of something much bigger than yourself. This is a time to show your kindness and humanity. This is a time to stand up for what’s right.
I apologize if my words are not as coherent as you are used to.
#BLACKLIVESMATTER #BLACKLIVESMATTER #BLACKLIVESMATTER
ZULUECHO INITIATIVE 