LIST: 10 ways to support the Black Lives Matter movement if you don’t have money

Because of the current reality and the nature of the world, America is living in, many students are faced with financial trouble. Students who already struggle to afford life as a college student may have had their jobs affected by COVID-19. This list is a way any and everyone can help support the Black Lives Matter movement without having to spend money. The most effective way to support the movement is to do whatever is possible for you personally to handle even when #BlackLivesMatter stops trending.  

Stream to Donate – YouTube Streams

Some YouTube channels have created videos and streams in which ad revenue generated will be donated to different Black Lives Matter related organizations. All you need is access to youtube.com on a mobile device, computer, tablet, or smart TV. A good start to efficient streaming is to take a page out of K-pop stans book of making your views count.  There is no official streaming guideline but it is recommended to follow these tips: turn off ad blockers, do not skip ads, keep the volume and 50% or higher, keep resolution in 480P or higher, like, comment, and share playlists on other social media channels.

• Revive Music created a Black Lives Matter playlist on YouTube where users donate simply by streaming the playlist.
• Jordan Matter is using his platform that will allow users to help raise money for Black Lives Matter. All the revenue raised from streaming the video will be donated to Campaign Zero.
• Chef Studio on YouTube took a break from producing regular content and created a video of calming visuals and music. Ad revenue generated will be donated to several charities and organizations in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Stream to Educate – Understanding Racial Injustice in America

Streaming services such as Netflix and YouTube have made it possible for individuals to become educated through Black cinema and history.

Netflix’s “More than a moment”

On June 10, @netflix tweeted “With an understanding that our commitment to true, systemic change will take time – we’re starting by highlighting powerful and complex narratives about Black experience.” Netflix developed a featured collection of films, series, and documentaries named “More than a Moment” that helps educate about racial injustice in America. Netflix also added a Black Lives Matter section to its genre tab in the same week. All you need is access to a Netflix account on a mobile device, computer, tablet, or smart TV.

YouTube

Initially, YouTube created a feature on racial injustice on its home page YouTube. Even though this may be gone, you only need access to the site or app to learn about black history, structural racism and the experience for Black creators. The content ranges so that kids and adults can find resources. Look at tags such as #BlackBooktube, #BlackCreators and #BlackHistory to find that content as well as watching playlists like this one. All you need is access to youtube.com on a mobile device, computer, tablet, or smart TV.

Petitions — Sign them

You can enact change from home by signing petitions that spotlight the Black Lives Matter movement. A signature can only do so much, but it is an effective way of gauging public opinion and getting your voice heard. There are several platforms and resources you can access online to sign petitions.

Protests/March — taking to the streets to demonstrate

A way to enact change and have your voice heard is to join a march or protest in your city or surrounding areas. There are several resources you can access online that will lead you to find protests in your area. You can use a mobile device, tablet, or laptop to access Facebook events, twitter hashtags, the Nextdoor app and more to find the closest demonstration to you. For the Houston area and surrounding cities, Black Lives Matter Houston share flyers on their Facebook page.

With COVID-19 still impacting the U.S it is recommended to wear a mask to protest. Congresswoman for NY-14: Bronx and Queens Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez posted the Instagram post below on how you can be safe while protesting.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

BE SAFE. Here’s our guide on being prepared for safe protests. PLEASE READ ⬇️ . 1. LOOK OUT FOR THINGS THAT DON’T SEEM RIGHT. There are increasing reports and investigations that white supremacists may be infiltrating these protests, breaking windows and destroying property. If anything seems off to you, DOCUMENT IT. Always check who is organizing. . 2. FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS OF GRASSROOTS BLACK ORGANIZERS. They have been at this a long time and are disciplined in the ropes of community organizing and demonstration. It IS a discipline. Follow trusted leaders whose goal has been the focused pursuit of justice. If they just showed up, that’s a red flag. . 3. HAVE A BUDDY. Make sure someone is keeping an eye on you and check in on them. . 4. STAY SAFE and take care of each other. 💜

A post shared by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@aoc) on May 30, 2020 at 10:58am PDT

Got Rewards — Donate them

Some companies are allowing users to turn their earned rewards into a monetary donation to certain charities and organizations. Beauty company Sephora is allowing its Beauty Insider reward points to be turned into donations to National Black Justice Coalition. Also, if you do not want to be limited to certain organizations some cards allow for the redemption of points as cashback. This allows you the freedom to donate to the organization of your choice. It is recommended to contact the company with the reward program you are enrolled in to see if they are participating in supporting Black-led organizations.

Knowledge is power — read black authors

This is free because – libraries! Even if you cannot access physical books you can access digital libraries via sites like Overdrive, Libby, Project Gutenberg, etc. Websites like Goodreads have lists broken down as specific as “Diversity in Science Fiction and Fantasy” or “Black Feminist/Womanists Studies.”  There are many lists that suggest books by black authors. Here are a few:

• “43 best books by Black Authors You Should Read in Your Lifetime” – “O” Oprah Magazine
• “An Anti-Racist Reading Luist: 20 Highly Rated Nonfiction Books by Black Authors” – Goodreads
• “Twelve Books to Help Children Understand Race, Anti-Racism and Protest” – Smithsonian Magazine
• “Anti-Racist Reading List from Ibram X. Kendi” – Chicago Public Library

Text or Call – Contact those with power

Text, call and email your representatives for justice and change. You can speak out against racial injustice simply by reaching out via email, phone call or text message. When it is safer to attend indoor events go to town hall election forums and get your voice heard.

Vote — it starts with you!

If they fail to act and or continue to support harmful policies, vote them out. Changing the system starts with you. After you become a registered voter, you need to follow through and educate yourself on the names and propositions ballot. Every election matters, not just the presidential ones. League of Women voters is a non-partisan organization that gets citizens involved in the voting process.

Get Social — Help empower/promote on social media

There are several threads on Twitter that help empower and promote Black-owned businesses, artists, entrepreneurs, and creators. A simple “like” or retweet to your followers can help get the word and support out. Find a community/subject/interest within Black content creators and show your support by following, sharing, subscribing, and liking their content.

Please post your black owned businesses below this tweet ❤️ That means wine, toilet paper, xxx toys, coffee, fashion, books, graphic designers, water, restaurants, detergent, candles. Let’s empower our people y’all. Love you 😘

— Ari Lennox (@AriLennox) June 11, 2020

Engage in conversation — have those talks!

Engage in conversations about racism, anti-blackness, colorism, and racial injustice. Converse with those around you and in your community. Be heard but also listen to those first-hand experiences to be better educated. In addition to engaging in those conversations, Women’s Health Magazine, National Geographic and others have guides on how to talk about race with your community.