There has been a lot about the #Blacklivesmatter movement over the past few days following the horrible murder of George Floyd. You may have seen lots of black squares on social media for #blackouttuesday. It is great to post this but we need to follow it up further. We need to educate ourselves.
I am the same, although I teach about racism and call it out when I hear it. I am also under educated. I therefore thought I would share some resources that I have seen that may be helpful to educate ourselves.
It is important that we continue to learn, keep this movement going and that it is not just a ‘lockdown fad’. It is not just another chain mail going around social media and instead it is a proper social movement!
We need to firstly admit that we will not be experts, we will get things wrong and this is a learning curve for us all!
What exactly is happening? – Easy to Read Guides
If you are not sure about what exactly is happening – here are some easy read summaries.
The Day – Wave of Violent Attacks erupts across USA
The first is an article from The Day- a news website aimed at school children. There are some useful links on it.
https://theday.co.uk/stories/wave-of-violent-fury-erupts-across-usa
News Round – What is happening in USA?
The second is a Newsround Article – again aimed at children but has links to other guides to read more. A good place to start.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/52813673
Videos to Watch
Demonstration – Black Lives Matter
This video is a powerful montage of police brutality. WARNING – It shows violence against black people, including George Floyd.
13th – Netflix Rated 15
A documentary that shows the history and links between slavery, segregation and the disproportionate amount of black people in US Prisons. The 13th Amendment was the amendment to the USA Law that freed slaves – unless they were held as prisoners.
How Racist Are You – Channel 4
I use this in the classroom and it is really helpful at showing the issues of racism in the UK and different views on it.
Explained – The Racial Wealth Inequality. – Netflix
A 15 minute explanation of why there is a massive inequality in wealth of Black Americans.
Time: The Kalief Browder Story – Netflix- Rated 15
A 6 part Netflix docu-series about a 16 year old black male who spent 3 years in prison without being charged with a crime.
James Cordon – It’s Time to Change in the UK
James Cordon conversation with Reggie Watts about racism in the UK. Including a performance from Dave.
When They See Us – Netflix – Rated 15
A 4 part drama documenting the true story of 5 boys who are wrongly convicted of the rape of a female in Central Park in NYC. This is a really good series and is followed up with a documentary and interview afterwards with the people involved.
23 Videos to Watch – Grazia
Here is a list of 23 things to watch to educate yourself.
https://graziadaily.co.uk/life/tv-and-film/films-tv-educate-racism/
Black Parents talk to their kids about how to deal with the police
This video highlights the difference between how blacks and whites are perceived by society.
“As a white person, my parents never had to discuss how to behave around police officers when I was a kid. Growing up I never once thought about what my skin colour meant and what it might mean to others. As a white person, I know I have the privilege of never having to think about this. I know I never had to deal with any of this. But as a white person I have the responsibility, WE have the responsibility to talk about the injustice and to make it right. Why? Because none of us chose the colour of our skin nor did we choose which privileges came with it or those that did not.”
Racism and Supporting the Black Community – CharlotteSevenSix
A video explaining why the murder of George Floyd is so traumatic for black people.
What to Read
How Privilege works in 21st century Britain
This article demonstrates how the media differs when a white and black celebrity speak about racism. This explains what white privilege is.
An experience of racism in the UK
https://graziadaily.co.uk/life/real-life/racism-uk/
What is it like to be a black female in the UK in 2020.
Why posting a Black Square on Instagram isn’t enough
https://graziadaily.co.uk/life/in-the-news/blackout-tuesday/
What else do you need to do?
Why I am no longer talking to white people about race by Reni Eddo-Lodge
In 2014, award-winning journalist Reni Eddo-Lodge wrote about her frustration with the way that discussions of race and racism in Britain were being led by those who weren’t affected by it. She posted a piece on her blog, entitled: ‘Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race’.
Her words hit a nerve. The post went viral and comments flooded in from others desperate to speak up about their own experiences. Galvanised by this clear hunger for open discussion, she decided to dig into the source of these feelings.
Donate to Charity
Here is a list of charities you can support
https://graziadaily.co.uk/life/real-life/anti-racism-charities/
Instagram Pages to Follow
@rachel.cargle – A black creative sharing her story and useful articles.
@privtoprog – A lot of ideas about how to Show Up and howyou can make a difference.
@unity.celeste – UK creative – sharing ideas how how to educate yourself.
@alyseruriani – Graphic artist sharing some infographics to help educate.
@monachalabi – Shares Infographics about current issues and news. Really helpful
I will be sharing more over on my Instagram –@learningrmps
Learning RMPS 