The Black Lives Matter, or BLM, movement is making headlines across the world. Following the deaths of countless unarmed African Americans at the hands of state-funded police, racial tensions have been at an all-time high. Police brutality is just one of the many reasons why the African American community believes that their lives aren’t valued as much as the lives of white people.
The Black Lives Matter (BLM) mission statement in 2020 advocates civil and peaceful disobedience against incidents of racially charged and state-sanctioned violence against members of the black community. The movement started in 2013 but gained global media attention in May 2020 following the death of an unarmed black man named George Floyd in an incident of police brutality.
The movement has called for protests all over the United States of America, and millions of people have taken to the streets in solidarity with the oppressed communities. The movement has also reached outside of the states. It has already triggered protests in many countries, underscoring the impact of the BLM mission statement.
How Can You Make a Difference?
Although the epicenter of the movement is in the USA, where it originated, you can contribute to the cause and participate in the BLM movement even if you are not living in America.
Here’re some methods to make an impact:
1. Join the Protests
The movement has spread to several countries outside of the states. If you are residing in any of these countries, you can check for peaceful protests in your city or a city near you. Sit in solidarity with your black countrymen and those abroad who have been systematically oppressed for generations.
Do whatever you can to spread awareness about anti-black racism and how it should not be tolerated in any country. Remember that the less diverse a community is, the more likely it is for black people to be targeted with anti-blackness racism.
2. Become a Legal Observer
Protests may become violent, so act as legal observers for cases of police brutality on peaceful protestors. Evidence of such violent actions is needed in case of arrests made during these protests. Certain programs train people to become legal observers. Explore those programs and contribute to BLM in the form of legal observations.
3. Donate to Bail Efforts
Peaceful protestors may get arrested, so there are bail funds created to help release these people from jail. The National Bail Fund Network is an example of a platform that connects the donors to the local bail funds. Help release the members of your community who get arrested during non-violent protests by donating to these funds.
4. Make and Distribute Masks
The Covid-19 pandemic has disturbed normal life and gatherings, including the BLM protests and demonstrations. Given the severity and contagious nature of the pandemic, it is vital to take precautionary measures during the protests. Wearing masks is effective in stopping the spread of the novel coronavirus. It would be a valuable contribution if you could make masks and distribute them among the BLM demonstrators.
Masks can enable these protests to be carried out without creating a health hazard. Help the protest participants to continue to band together by donating masks to the people who may not have them.
5. Make an Impact Through Social Media
Social Media is the biggest medium to spread the word about the BLM movement and boost its momentum. Use your social media accounts to spread awareness about the movement. Do your part in making sure that there is zero tolerance of racism in your c
