Dear Aunty & Uncle: Let’s Talk About Lifetime Commitments

Dear Aunty & Uncle,

Last time, we talked about Policing.

Now, some of you may be thinking, “this will all phase out and people will start forgetting about it.”

But I want us to remember that this movement and these conversations are not going to end as we wrap up this series. Today, let’s talk about the importance of making this A Lifetime Commitment.

People are Not Done Fighting

Already, the news has stopped covering these concerns as much as last week, people have stopped posting about it on social media as often, and we are believing that people don’t care as much anymore.

But all of this is not fading away. People are still fighting, and nobody’s giving up anytime soon.

Whether we’re voting, out protesting, donating, or educating ourselves, there are limitless possibilities of how we as South Asians can continue supporting this movement. People are changing their views and we are making a difference.

*Pictures from: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/06/10/upshot/black-lives-matter-attitudes.html*

Educate Ourselves

Read books, watch movies and tv shows, read articles, and keep learning! There is so much history and information that we may be unaware of, and as non-black people of color, it’s our responsibility to stay informed.

Here is a compiled list of resources as a starting point: https://www.cnet.com/news/black-lives-matter-movies-tv-shows-and-books-on-systemic-racism/

Unlearn our own biases & racism

As we talked about before, everything that we have accepted as normal or non-problematic is learned behavior. Our minds have the ability to unlearn the anti-blackness and racist behaviors or beliefs that we have learned over the years. Acknowledge what may be wrong today, and start making changes forever!

Start Conversations

As we’ve learned from this experience, these topics can be uncomfortable–to bring up, discuss and agree on. But it is our responsibility to make sure we start these conversations and break barriers with our friends and families. Let people know when they say or do things that are problematic, help people become more aware of the impacts of racism, and don’t be afraid to stand up for and defend human rights and justice–because we would want others doing the same for us.

Donate

One of the biggest impacts we can make is by donating to the organizations who have consistently been dedicated to researching, reforming, and responding to racial and social justice issues over the years. Here are just a few of those organizations:

Sign Petitions

Here is a list of MANY petitions you can sign today. Take less than a minute to add your name alongside the millions of other voices demanding change:

https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/#petitions

Call/Email/Contact Local & State Leaders

As hundreds of thousands of people called and emailed their representatives, leaders, and officials in the past few weeks, our nation’s demands were being heard. Officials started listening, and changes have already been made at the local and state levels. Contact your representatives and help make a difference! This link provides good starting points under “Call & Email.”

https://www.thegoodtrade.com/features/supporting-black-lives-matter

Support Black-Owned Businesses

If we’re going to be buying certain items, why not buy from smaller or family-owned businesses?

Website with Black-owned Businesses: https://www.supportblackowned.com/
Find & Support Black-Owned Businesses using these apps: https://refinery29.com/en-us/2020/06/9849096/find-black-owned-businesses-online-apps

Protest or Help Protestors

Today marks the 16th consecutive day of protests around the world–and there’s no sign of stopping anytime soon! Join one happening around you if you can! (All COVID safety measures are/should be taken–wear masks, carry hand sanitizer, etc.)

I know some of us are unable to physically go to protests (especially now because of COVID & living with people who may be at higher risk). However, there are still other ways we can support these protests:

Donate to Bail Efforts: THE NATIONAL BAIL FUND NETWORK
Make Face Masks
Help provide resources or supplies: https://www.thegoodtrade.com/features/supporting-black-lives-matter
Be an Emergency Contact

Limitless Ways to Stay Involved

Here is another great list of ways to stand in solidarity: https://www.adhoc.fm/post/black-lives-matter-resources-and-funds/?fbclid=IwAR1o2t6mV0vgN9-Rukm85Qa4rKmYOfYvC-pxoffFZ9IOvsnMmq0GPBum-14

We’re Not Trying to Start a Problem, We’re Trying to End One

Take a look at the protests against our stay at home orders, versus protests against police and racial violence. The pictures illustrate the different problems, priorities, and privileges that people in our nation have based on the color of our skin. And we’re just trying to put an end to those disparities.

Instagram post by @dr.skinshao

Thank you all for giving us 10 minutes of your time for the past 10 days. This concludes the “Dear Aunty & Uncle” Series, but I hope the conversations don’t end today! Go through these posts, the extra credit resources, and other materials with your loved ones to continuously learn more about our country, race, and racism.

These are complex topics, difficult concepts, and uncomfortable conversations–but we can always stay open to learning more, understanding the reality of others’ lives, and taking steps to truly make our nation “The Land of the Free” and “The Land of Opportunity” for every single human, regardless of the color of their skin.💕