#blackouttuesday

What is #blackouttuesday and should I join?

On June 2nd, a global decision to stop the show of social media and unite and support Black Lives Matter. The reason the hashtag is #blackouttuesday is to not swamp the #blacklivesmatter page and all the progress made to gather useful sources and people together. On Instagram, the majority of public and private pages for me turned to post a black square image representing support of the movement. The action has continued to unite small social groups and larger organisations. The widespread adoption of support and care is incomparable.

Today, the music industry has united and helped continue the tide of change in the world. If you have heard about the movement, you cannot say its purpose fell on deaf ears. The news, music industry and vast swathes of social media are spreading and inspiring others with videos, resources and stories. I understand that some people feel that their voice is silent, and no one listens. I ask you to think of it like this. You don't have to spread this to 1000 people. If you can tell someone else, a single person and they understand, then that does the same good. The action represents more than the number. The idea will survive, continue and persevere.

If you're looking for ways to help and contribute but don't know where to head, I'm attaching these two links that summarise a lot of information.

Ways To Help

This has been shared by organisations and everyday people and is a valuable source. If you're looking for petitions or phone numbers, the critical ones are listed here. There are condensed resources for understanding anti-racism and mental health for those suffering. Take at least a good look and don't click off the page. Start discussions with people who don't know. Uncomfortable isn't easy neither is living with racism. We want to put out the house that has the fire first.

The Obama Foundation

The Obama Foundation helps to educate, provide channels to participate and engage in this step towards equality. There's reading to help understand the problem, which I think we all need to learn to ensure lasting change.

If you are actively invested and need even more detailed information, then on these two google docs, you can connect and donate to specific people. There are bail funds and organisations to particular areas and Black business that have been harmed and need extra support to get back up again.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1SRl1HOoBC_RSI4X8e_O8W9yI-7E7WJfJgYpa3UAUY-o/htmlview#

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/u/1/d/1yrbSmMhv01VZpxhw-zViE2hYQZkixFiG6QGyreDaLMg/htmlview#

Mental Health Support

I want to return to mental health support. This website helps to ease the burden of finding resources and support Black lives through this.

Mental health cannot be overstated, and please talk to your friends and family. I hope someone will hear you. If they don't return to the 'Way to Help' page and look up at the resources for someone to connect to if you dearly need it. Please don't hold it in, share your struggle with us.

I say these words,

I will not be a bystander. I stand with the Black community, my Black friends, my Black coworkers, and my Black partners. Together we must fight to end systematic racism. Enough is enough. 

I am here to listen.

I am here to learn. 

I understand that I will never understand.

I stand with you.

This is the message and purpose of #blackouttuesday. The hope is to share the movement amongst more people and gather and list information in useful ways. The majority of stories and posts on my feed are #blackouttuesday and videos about peaceful protesting and good cops marching with the people, protecting them. Walk together with them wherever you are.

They hold hands, so all children can.