Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself. – Rumi.
If we’ve learned anything over the past year, its that the world can change in a heartbeat. We can no longer just look after ourselves. None of us can make it alone, we need to take care of each other and stand up to injustice. We’ve also learned that when leadership is lacking, we need to rise to the challenge ourselves, we need to stand up for what is right.
Last week George Floyd died. His life was as important, and he was as loved as any of us were. He is one of many who should still be with us. This has to stop.
We may be limited in terms of what we can do. The US seems like a faraway place, and we are all under stress, trying to deal with an uncertain future. But none of us are helpless. We can all do our bit.
Here are a few ways that you can get support the Black Lives Matter movement, no matter where you are….
Use Your Voice
It doesn’t matter how many followers you have on social media, it’s your platform. Use it. Spread knowledge, facts, stories, pictures. Share your story. If you don’t truly understand the issue, ask questions, let your followers share their stories with you.
You can also add your name to some of these petitions, which all demand change…
–A letter to the minister regarding Direct Provision in Ireland
Donate
Every cent counts, if you have even a small amount you can spare, here are some suggestions…
-George Floyd’s family set up a go fund me page to help cover funeral and legal costs, you can find it here.
– Doras, INAR, and Amnesty.ie are all working hard to create a fairer and more just Ireland.
-The Minnesota Freedom Fund was set up to pay for bail that many protesters can’t afford, you can contribute to that here.
Educate
We all need to learn from this. History is important so we can learn from the past, and do better in the future.
There are so many books, podcasts, documentaries and other resources out there. We love these Irish artists who share their stories to inspire others…
You could try reading…
–Don’t Touch My Hair – by Emma Dabiri
–Why I’m No Longer Talking To White People About Race – by Reni Eddo-Lodge
–The Hate You Give – by Angie Thomas
–White Supremacy And Me – by Layla F Saad
- – Girl, Woman, Other – Bernadine Evaristo
You can watch these amazing documentaries…….
–13th
–Strong Island
–When They See Us
–Becoming
If you have a voice, use it. Izzy Tiernan is one of our ambassadors, and a powerful spoken word artist.
Listen to what she has to say,…..
