It is a curious mix between heartbreaking and disappointing that the dialogue behind the now well-known Black Lives Matter movement still has to occur in 2020. But occur it must. The truth is, this conversation is not new, nor is it groundbreaking – it revolves around the essential rights and freedoms Black people have always deserved and needed.
We all have a responsibility to speak out when we see racial injustice happen in the world, and it is everyone’s conversation to take part in. Lending your voice to a collective is highly important. It means solidarity. It means ACTIVE allyship. It means standing shoulder to shoulder with the people most affected by disparities in our global community.
But while words often wield significant power, they often do not perform the gargantuan tasks and issues we are forced to confront every day. It is all well and good to post a black square, to take time to point attention to voices other than our own, or to participate in a hashtag, but there remains work to do – in policy, in equitable pay, in societal issues, in eliminating the systemic and institutional racism which has wrapped its roots around us and seeks to poison every element of what we know.
This is not just about one case. Although George Floyd’s circumstances are tragic and anger-inducing in equal measure, anti-racism is a continued effort, and the movement pertains to all those unjustly killed, or who have faced racism in this world. And there are many.
Like many Black people both in the UK and overseas, as a young mixed-race woman I could write a list as long as the ocean of the racism I have seen, heard, witnessed…felt. I often have a peculiar insight into the dynamics of race. While I embrace my Black heritage, I am less likely to face open discrimination or to have hurtful words or actions thrown at me when compared to my darker-skinned peers. And I am more likely to benefit from active systems of colourism which are still so prevalent within society.
For an assignment, I once wrote that human rights should be at the forefront of our minds, as by unlocking the fundamental entitlements which underpin every element of life, we will ultimately strive towards, and achieve, justice for all. I believe this is as true now, as it was when I wrote it years ago.
I believe the Black Lives Matter movement is just as important, and continues to gain traction with every person it touches. I witness the frustration, the hurt, the anger, the exhaustion – and I feel it too.
A quote which always resonates with me is this: “In society, it is not enough to be non-racist. We must be actively anti-racist.”
A week or so ago, I compiled a short list of resources which have spoken to me, and which I believe may help those who wish to broaden their understanding and perspective. I hope the list inspires you to actively campaign for change.
Literature
Brit(ish) by Afua Hirsch examines race, identity and belonging within Britain from the perspective of a mixed-Black woman. A contribution of both first person experiences and critical analysis, and a necessary conversation.
There Ain’t No Black in the Union Jack by Paul Gilroy – A landmark study into race, class and nation, and a fantastic analysis of these dynamics within British society.
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison – A tragic analysis of the power structures of racism within American society, told through the eyes of children.
The Color Purple by Alice Walker – Perfectly unpicks the many issues Black women faced while alive in the early 20th century, and focuses on Black female empowerment
Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge – An excellent place to begin understanding racism and insidious prejudice within society. The author has asked people to share the book amongst themselves and donate money they would have spent to anti-racism charities at this time.
Black Skin, White Masks by Franz Fanon – An extremely insightful analysis from a Martiniquan critical scholar into the psychology of racism and colonialism.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas – Young Adult novel which centres around police brutality, racism, socio-economic issues and the Black Lives Matter movement
Natives: Race, Class and the Ruins of Empire by Akala – A polemic which unpicks politics, identity, class and race, and tells us all what we can learn and how we can act.
Credit: Siri Hedreen
Film
When They See Us – A film based on a true story of five Black/Latino boys wrongly convicted for a crime and the subsequent struggles they face. Lays bare the inequalities of the American justice system. Tear-jerker.
13th – A documentary which focuses on the some of the injustices rife within the US prison system. Fascinating to watch and learn.
Loving – Focuses on the Loving v. Virginia (1967) case which struck down the laws which banned interracial marriage. A heartbreaking story of the racial injustices a biracial couple had to face.
I Am Not Your N*gro – A documentary centring around author and campaigner James Baldwin, civil rights and racism within the United States.
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks – A dramatisation of the uncovered story of Henrietta Lacks, a woman whose cancer cells were harvested without her knowledge and used without the knowledge or compensation of her grieving family. Uncovers systems of racism which can be present in medicine.
BlackKklansman – Based on a true story of a black police officer who infiltrated the KKK. Provides a heady mixture of humour and serious issues.
If Beale Street Could Talk – Based on the piece by James Baldwin, an examination of the racial structures which can be present within the US prison system.
Black Sheep – A 2018 Oscar-nominated documentary surrounding overt and violent racism faced by a young Black boy in the UK.
Other Resources
Podcasts: About Race with Reni Eddo-Lodge, The Receipts Podcast, Say Your Mind, Pod Save America, Gettin’ Grown
Theory: Transcending Blackness by Ralina L. Joseph, When Harlem Was in Vogue by David Levering Lewis, What the Black Woman Thinks About Women’s Lib by Toni Morrison, Women Culture and Politics by Angela Davis, Whiteness as Property by Cheryl Harris, Against Race by Paul Gilroy, Critical Race Theory: An Introduction by Richard Delgado and Jean Stefancic and Black Woman Novelists: The Development of Tradition by Barbara Christian.
Businesses: Wales Bonner, Gal-Dem, New Beacon Books, Satta, Black Ballad, LAPP the Brand, Pat McGrath Labs, Shoppe Black, UK Black Writers Forum, Black Women’s Directory, Bianca Saunders.
