Amplify Black Voices- Ways to Support

Hello everyone! I hope you’re all doing well and staying safe during everything that is happening.

At the beginning of June, I made the decision to stop posting on social media for a week to help own voices to be heard. #amplifyblackvoices As a white female, I know that I can never fully understand the experiences of black individuals. For that reason, I wanted to take some time to allow first hand accounts to come to light. I take the Black Lives Matter movement seriously, and I want to be an ally for the community- not a hindrance.

Now that my week is up, I have decided it is time to add my voice to the movement in support for Black Lives Matter and ending white supremacy. No one can truly be free, unless we are all free. It pains me to realize the unfairness that still exists in our world, and I am working to do my part in ending this disparity. I encourage everyone to think about peaceful ways that you can fight racism and stand up for yourself and others who need you. Together we can be heard.

In honor of the Black Lives Matter Movement, I hope to read many books to educate myself about the disparity that exist for people of color. Supporting black authors and their stories is always important, and I want to be an ally for this community. Some black-owned bookstores I recommend supporting- taken from Stuck in the Stacks:

Books I hope to read to learn about the Black community and becoming antiracist

• Clap When you Land
• Slay
• Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You
• Tyler Johnson was Here
• Me and White Supremecy

• Hum if you Don’t Know the Words
• White Fragility
• Dear Martin
• You Should See Me in a Crown
• I’m Still Here
• The Poet X

I hope you all are thinking about racial inequity and educating yourself so you can learn, support, and grow. It can be helpful to create a plan about what you can do to tackle racism and white supremacy. There are many different things people can do like: protesting, signing petitions, sharing on social media, donating, and much more. So, do what feels right for you- but don’t shy away from discomfort just because you have the privilege to do so. Face the things that make you uncomfortable and become antiracist.

Some Petitions to Sign:

These petitions were gathered from PureWow

• Hands Up Act
• #WeAreDoneDying
• National Action Against Police Brutality
• Stand With Breonna
• Justice for Ahmaud Arbery
• Justice for Tony McDade

Some Places to Donate To:

• Black Lives Matter
• Community Bail Fund Donations
• NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund
• Youth Justice Coalition

As always, I’m here to talk if you need to. Just leave a comment or DM me on Twitter (@AnnaLynn111018) or Instagram (annasbooknook).

Stay strong & change the world✊🏿✊🏾✊🏽✊🏼✊🏻❤️