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4 Ways To Support The Black Community

During the past year, the black community has arguably faced more adversity than ever. Here is how you can make a difference.

Kamryn Shields

Jan 14, 2021

Mississippi State University

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https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:BlackLivesMatter_protest_Berlin_2020-05-30_22.jpg

To say the last year in America was great would be a lie. With the coronavirus uprooting everyone's life, everyone's frustration was justified. It was disheartening having special events being cancelled and seeing loved ones get sick. However, one of the most prevalent things that happened in 2020 was the fight to end racism in America. In May of 2020 George Floyd was killed by four police officers in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This was the spark that reignited the Black Lives Matter movement, which began in 2013 by three women in response to George Zimmerman being acquitted for his role in murdering Trayvon Martin. Millions of people from all over the world pulled together to spread awareness, sign petitions, donate, call their legislators, etc. to try and end the injustice in the legal system as well as racism. Watching this all unfold before my eyes has shown me the importance of using my white privilege to do what I can to help the black community. Here are four ways you can become an ally yourself:

1. Educate Yourself.

One of the most important things I have learned while educating myself on the injustice in America is realizing that once I become uncomfortable and furious I am on the right track. There are hundreds of ways you can educate yourself through websites, books, articles, podcasts, movies, and more.

https://blacklivesmatter.com/

https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/

Books: https://www.booktable.net/black-lives-matter-reading-list

Podcasts: https://www.thegoodtrade.com/features/black-podcasts

Movies: https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/film-tv/g32837611/black-lives-matter-movies-netflix/

2. Show Empathy for the Black Community.

One of the most important things while advocating for the black community's rights is to realize the heartbreak, frustration, and trauma they have been through. Time and time again the world has diminished them and denied them of basic human rights. To support them we must first empathize with them and their struggles.

3. Support Black Owned Businesses.

The bottom line is supporting black owned businesses is the least we can do to support the black community. I encourage you to find local black owned businesses in your area.

Here are black owned businesses to support: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/a33561639/black-owned-businesses/

4. Donate. Donate. Donate.

There are multiple organizations you can donate to that will help aid the fight to end racism. Whether it's a big or small contribution, any amount helps and goes towards raising awareness, paying bails, and helping those individuals and businesses that have faced adversity over the past year.

https://blacklivesmatter.com/partners/

https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/#donate

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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4 Ways To Support The Black Community

During the past year, the black community has arguably faced more adversity than ever. Here is how you can make a difference.

1. Educate Yourself.

2. Show Empathy for the Black Community.

3. Support Black Owned Businesses.

4. Donate. Donate. Donate.

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

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There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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