Racial justice is the fair systemic treatment of everyone regardless of race. It is key to creating equitable opportunities for all. As a social justice activist, I am often asked: “How can I help?”
Here are seven ways each of us can take action for racial justice.
1. Support racial justice every day. This could be through word of mouth with friends and family or via online networking. There are hundreds of ways to lead by example. Call out racism when you see it.
2. Educate yourself. Education is an essential part of organizing for change. Read. Listen to podcasts. Go to communities and events to gain a greater appreciation of diverse cultures. Befriend someone of a different race, ethnicity, religion, or age. Explore your prejudices and gain a better understanding of the issues affecting them.
3. Volunteer or Donate. Take time to help others in need by volunteering in your community and at local shelters or donate to organizations who are doing the work on the ground doing racial justice work.
4. Join a demonstration or protest. Peaceful protests have played a role in human rights movements around the world.
5. Harness the power of social media. Social media platforms have become powerful tools for sharing messages with large audiences. From joining groups to posting articles and sharing personal experiences, they can help facilitate community building, awareness, and collaboration.
6. Get connected. Plug into the racial justice movement, especially online. Look for organizations doing racial justice work where you live. Tell your members of Congress to support legislation to limit the use of deadly force as a last resort over being the first option. Support local events in your area by attending or donating money or your time.
7. Create solutions. Brainstorm possible solutions, and don’t be afraid to think outside the box.
Push for the change you want to see, but now change doesn’t happen overnight.
By pushing just a bit further every day, you can be a part of a movement that will change the status quo.
Remember, too; social justice begins at home. Educating your children and grandchildren and getting them involved in social justice issues and human rights will help give them a global approach and perspective in everything they do – because they are the future.
Mark M. Bello, a trial lawyer, is the author of “Betrayal at the Border" and other ‘ripped from the headlines’ Zachary Blake Social Justice Legal Thrillers available on Amazon.com and other online booksellers. For more information, please visit www.markmbello.com. Mark also is co-host with Not Fake News' editor Bob Gatty of the Justice Counts podcast, now streaming.