Maintaining BLM Activism at School

We belong to a generation of young activists who educate people, raise their voices against injustices, corruption, discrimination, and intolerance. “You’re too young to understand” no longer a proper clap back – it is the youth who understand.

Youth activism has been courageously persuading crowds to re-think hate and unjust beliefs while advocating for different movements like BLM. Furthermore, our social media era has changed activism, making it more approachable for everyone—especially those who cannot physically protest—to demand changes in social and economic policies. Knowing how to keep collaborating after the “hype” quiets down is crucial. I summed up a list of basic things we can do to continue carrying BLM’s message and cries for change today and every day:

1. Donate and sign petitions. Use this link to check out ways to help, including petitions to sign, places to donate, and ways to protest and help protesters. This is another link that contains 153 ways for you to donate.

2. Contact big institutions and politicians (both local, state, and national!). Let your voice be heard. www.5calls.org is an example of an online resource to contact political influences.

3. Protest. If you can’t go to the streets to physically protest, stay at home and support protesters with water, food, facemasks, phone calls, timely information, and social media coverage.

4. Speak up about privilege. On your campus with peers and professors, at home with family and friends, and on your social media accounts are a few great scenarios to uphold consciousness about BLM. Come from a humble, open-minded, and educative perspective. Remember, we must understand what we talk about, but remain smart enough to know that we can always learn even more.

5. Practice anti-racism and support WOC businesses and creatives. @rachel.cargle, @morganharpernichols, @thehoneypotco, @tier, @elexiay, @michebeauty_, @_fatoudrammeh, @kaylakalu, @emanizaire, @rootedwometribe are just a few examples of Black creatives to follow and support. You can also use the hashtag #blackcreatives on Instagram to find new people and brands to follow, connect, and empower!

6. Keep learning. Read books about BLM. Coven posted an anti-racist educational resource list with books, podcasts, articles, and more. Watch TED talks like Being young and making an impact by Natalie Warne. Follow educational accounts on Instagram, such as @soyouwanttotalkabout, @stillgrowing, @whydontwediscuss, and @itsagreatdaytolearnabout.

7. Show compassion and sensitivity. Social and personal issues related to BLM are not a one-day social media trend. Discussing these issues and tackling the underlying racism NEED empathy and require awareness and active engagement from all of us.

Indeed, our generation is defined by what we chase and fight for, which can get complicated with rocks in the road and bittersweet results. However, it’s much better to imperfectly work towards a change than stay standing with our arms crossed. And remember, this commitment to carry on the antiracist message is a forever one.

By Luisana Rodríguez

Psychology student, learning enthusiast who loves the contraries of doing nothing and being productive, Virgo reader girl.