*Click for more info shared by Brittany Packnett via Instagram*
I cried today.
After seeing so many of these horrible images and videos of my people being mistreated while peacefully protesting.
After seeing police try to arrest and put the blame on my people for damages they did not cause.
After trying to keep it together for over a week now, I had to take a moment to pause and breathe.
The crazy part about all of this is that, if you’re black and working in corporate america, you’re expected to just get your tasks done for the day as if you’re unaffected, and if you’re not working in an environment with a diverse group of people on your team, you’re basically dealing with these issues on your own with no one to connect with in your work environment that actually ‘gets’ it.
I know that some companies have made public statements about the movement in effort to show support. Some haven’t, others have but it’s quite obvious by the tone of the message, that it was not coming from a place of sincerity. We’ve called companies out, and have unapologetically made some folks uncomfortable due to their silence, so it would make sense that some of these beloved brands are simply jumping at the chance to make a statement (even if it is not genuine) to clear their name.
Black Out Tuesday took place today. What is this you ask? I’d like to add more context here, as many were not fully informed before posting about it. Myself included, but this is why we MUST educate and share credible knowledge/sources regarding ANYthing surrounding this powerful movement.
Well, if you didn’t click the link above, underneath the #BlackLivesMatter image within the beginning of this post, you may or may not know the underlying question surrounding this. Originally this post (which I had originally thought it represented) was intended for the music industry to educate themselves and formulate a plan to effectively combat the racial issues we are facing in this world. We would then support the movement by promoting knowledge and education as well as providing important resources that help to support the movement.
This idea was also created by two Black Women: Brianna Agyemang and Jamila Thomas
See… the thing is.. it seems that this amazing effort to execute effective change, somehow got co-opted by an unknown group who pushed the hashtag #BlackOutTuesday (see ‘Real/Fake’ post image below). I saw another really insightful post on Instagram by Brittany Packnett. She proceeded to inform those who viewed her insta TV video with a Fact Check by sharing the following information: Here.
Sis, how about the hashtag was originally #TheShowMustBePaused.
I, like many of us, posted a black square via instagram in order to exercise the action of digitally protesting by way of all social media accounts (as it relates to the fake post we saw). I used the #BlackLivesMatter hashtag as well as #BlackOutTuesday and shared as much information as I could, to promote ways in which we all can contribute to this powerful movement (I’ll include some links below for reference). The problem with this is that using the BLM hashtag overwhelmed the tag category on Instagram, drowning out all helpful and important information that needs to be shared with a sea of black boxes. This is digital protest suppression, and the only way to detach the image from the hashtag would be to remove the post and re-post the black square, because even if you edit the caption (I’m told), the post still shows up within the previous tag’s category (as though you still have the old tag in place).
I just think it’s crazy that this even happened! Two messages — Two different motives. I wonder who got behind this, because at the moment it seems no one knows. Whoever created the fake post we originally saw, should be exposed because that’s Not okay… I mean think about it, who calls for a blackout to silence ourselves on a day where many states are voting in the primary??
This is a week of ACTION, and we will not be silenced!
Share as much information as you can!
Donate if you can!
Remove your money from banks that have not supported our people, and move your funds to black credit unions (I need to do this!)
Shop Black — Support Black Owned Businesses
In moments of confusion or misunderstanding that arise, in regards to this movement with your friends, colleagues, and/or family members (anyone who can’t relate) educate them. If you have the energy to, because We Are Tired. The one thing I have noticed is that America caught the attention of other countries, and it’s honestly beautiful and empowering to see that other people are waking up and wanting to push the message of equality for Black people all over the world.
We are fighting for our rights at a GLOBAL scale!
What we will NOT do is post a black square and refrain from sharing information, because we ‘made an effort’.
What we will NOT do is push performative support. Exhibit A — This “Influencer” put on her help hat by pretending to help board up a store with broken windows that had been looted the night before (disgusting).
What we will NOT do is allow outside influences to distract us from our movement, and take away from the power that has fueled our mission for equality among our people.
At the end of all of this, and I hope it will end, I hope this brings unity among all of us as a collective. I hope we all find compassion in our hearts to help others in need, releasing ego and enforcing positive change. Most of all I hope and pray that my people will know longer have to face racial injustice and inequality, because it’s about time we left that shit behind us FOR GOOD!
So I ask again.. How are you feeling?
I really want to know, because I care.
My heart has been so heavy lately, and I know we are all dealing with this in our own way. Writing has helped me release some of this energy in a healthy way. I want to create a safe space for those who would like to share their feelings, if it helps in any way.
Also, if you happen to know of any donation links, community efforts, events, organizations to fight change, or if you have links that drive to the support of black owned businesses and would like to share them — PLEASE DO! I want to repost these resources, and have them present here for anyone who is looking for ways that they can contribute to change.
If you’ve happened to stop by and read this post, thank you for coming through.
Love & Light to You*
-Tati
#BlackLivesMatter Resources — Ways You Can Help
National Resource List — Master Doc (Charities, Free Legal Help, Mutual Aid Funds, & Tips For Protesting
List of Bail Funds For Protestors Across The Country
Organizations You Can Donate To:
George Floyd Memorial Fund
Minnesota Freedom Fund
Reclaim The Block
National Bail Out
Black Lives Matter
Bail Project
Black Visions Collective
National Bail Fund Network
The Innocent Project
Justice For Breonna
Run With Maud
Call DA Mike Freeman in Minnesota (612)-348-5550 and DEMAND prosecution to: Derek Chauvin (Badge #1087) Tou Thoa (Badge #7162)
Leave a message for Louisville Mayor and DEMAND justice for Breonna Taylor (502)-574-2003
Master List of Safety Tips For Protesting: (A Twitter Thread)
Know Your Rights Before You Go Out to Protest (An Article)
NJ Voter’s Registration
Reading:
Anti-Racism Resources For White People: Books, Podcasts, Articles, Videos
Tatis Thoughts 