The Black Lives Matter Movement Isn't Over — Here's 5 Things You Can Do To Keep It Moving Forward
We must keep up the momentum.
Although there has been a strong movement this year to support Bla(c)k lives across Australia, there is much more work to do and we must keep up the momentum.
It’s not enough to be empathetic, post black squares on Instagram (#BlackOutTuesday) or hire one Bla(c)k model. Advocacy needs to be matched with ongoing and meaningful action.
These five actions are small, yet powerful ways you can continue supporting the Black Lives Matter movement in Australia.
1. Call for change and justice.
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Your voice, allyship and energy can be powerful. Where you can, attend Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-organised rallies and protests and encourage people to join you.
Sign and share petitions and write to your local MP to demand government action. Use your platforms to educate your circles. For future elections and if you are enrolled to vote, do your research properly on the values and priorities of political parties and their members. Did you know there was a recent announcement of a $624 million budget for increased police in Queensland? This comes after the death of Aboriginal woman Aunty Sherry in police custody in Brisbane in recent months.
2. Learn and unlearn.
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And get comfortable being uncomfortable! Everyone has a responsibility to continuously educate themselves — we are never finished learning. Continue reading, watching and listening to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives and voices. And then amplify those voices.
Challenge the narratives and discourse around Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Challenge your own bias and stereotypes and that of those around you. Put in work to recognise structural and institutionalised racism.
Consider your privilege and your role in the ongoing oppression of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Path To Equality has some informative resources and is a great place to start.
3. Demand and encourage accountability.
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Hold people accountable and remember that how you spend your money is political. Challenge your favourite brands to showcase, pay and hire Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Challenge your school to teach the truth about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories — without the whitewash. Challenge your employer to hire Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (not just in junior positions), to develop and provide ongoing support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and to increase the cultural competence and cultural safety across the organisation.
4. Buy Bla(c)k.
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Put your money where your mouth is and help distribute wealth. If you are in a position to do so, support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses by buying their products. Trading Blak is a valuable source of information about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses.
5. Remember that doing nothing is an action, too.
It is often said that the opposite of love is not hate, it is indifference. Silence is an action and neutrality is complacency. This type of complacency continues to support the oppression, dispossession and over-policing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It's not enough to be not racist — we must be anti-racist and we are running out of time.
Almost 450 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have died in police custody in just 30 years. That's 450 lives stolen, with 450 parents, families and communities forever impacted. How can you use your privilege to help create a safe and thriving future for everyone? No one is free, until we are all free.
"If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor."
—Desmond Tutu