In line with Black History Month, this October we wanted to reiterate our support in line with the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement. To do this, here at Innermost we have compiled a list of important BLM resources, both in terms of black lives matter educational resources, literature and notable petitions on the subject, and information on how to support black lives matter.
What is Black Lives Matter and the Black Lives Matter movement
Black lives matter and the #BlackLivesMatter, or BLM movement, was a movement that was officially founded in 2013. Whilst work to aid the abolition of racial discrimination dates long before this time, the official BLM movement is one that stands to combat acts of violence, ideologies of harm and to intervene in times of discrimination towards the Black community.
We stand in solidarity in the fight against systematic racism, hate and inequality. As a brand that is made up of a group of diverse individuals, our focus has always been on the ideals of inclusivity and empowering everyone to live a more inspired life, because a world where people can realise the best versions of themselves is for the good of all.
To realise that vision, we need to speak up when we see racism. Let’s not pretend there isn’t a problem. Let’s not accept the injustice around us. This affects all of us. Let’s not be silent. If we ALL come together in our common humanity, we can fight what's wrong and try to make it right. In the memory of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and so many more.
Why Black History Month is important
First celebrated in the UK in 1987, Black History Month is an important time in the annual calendar dedicated to shining light on the #BlackLivesMatter movement and a way to pay respect to the achievements and history of those with black heritage and culture in our community. Whilst work towards eradicating any type of discrimination is one that is a daily responsibility on all of our parts, Black History Month is a time dedicated to this, and to understanding the impact of these cultures on our lives and way of life today.
How to support Black Lives Matter
You may be wondering how to support black lives matter and this year's upcoming Black History Month. And while sharing and posting quotes online helps bring issues to the forefront of people's minds, it's just the beginning. We want to reinforce the message that anti-racism isn’t a belief, it is a set of actions. For that reason, we’ve pulled together a list of resources, from petitions to books and resources you can read for education and guidance. Check them out below.
Charities and funds
- Black Lives Matter
- The Bail Project
- Unicorn Riot
- The Liberty Fund
- Campaign Zero
- Reclaim the Block
- I Run With Maud
- Stand Up To Racism UK
Petitions to sign
For a comprehensive list of petitions, funds and protests you can contribute to, and a plethora of educational resources, head over to the Black Lives Matter Card.
Resources and articles
- Ways to help - Black Lives Matter
- Anti-racism resources for white people - Sarah Sophie Flicker and Alyssa Klein
- 75 things white people can do for racial injustice - Medium
- “The Case for Reparations” by Ta-Nehisi Coates (from The Atlantic, 2014)
- IG: George Floyd: How can I help from the UK? - Das Penman
- IG: 10 steps to non-optical allyship - Mireille Harper
- IG: Transform Allyship into Action: A Toolkit for Non-Black People- Social Justice in Medicine Coalition at USC
- Twitter Thread: UK-based charities, organisations and platforms whose work aims to eradicate racial injustice - Black Ballad
- IG: Brilliant black-owned businesses to buy from in the UK - Emily Ames
- Twitter Thread: Advice for companies from Sheree Atcheson, Monzo’s Head of Diversity and Inclusion - Sheree Atcheson
Books to read
If you'd like to further your understanding on the black lives matter movement, learn how to support black lives matter and understand further to the extent as to why black history month is important, please check out the following books:
- White Supremacy and Me by Layla F. Saad
- Why I’m No longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge
- Freedom Is A Constant Struggle by Angela Davis
- Brit(ish) by Afua Hirsch
- I’m Still Here by Austin Channing Brown
- Don’t Touch My Hair by Emma Dabiri
- Black and British: A Forgotten History by David Olusoga
- White Girls by Hilton Als
- Dark Days by James Baldwin
- Natives by Akala
- Diversify by June Sarpong
- Your Silence Will Not Protect You by Audre Lorde
- How To Be Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
- They Can’t Kill Us All by Wesley Lowery
- The Good Immigrant, edited by Nikesh Shukla
This by no means is an exhaustive list, but it is important to educate yourself and others. Move beyond the optical. Bring this into your home. Start conversations with friends, colleagues, family members, boyfriends, and girlfriends. It all starts with each of us. Black history is important. Black history month helps us reiterate that.
