Wednesday 03-06-2020 - 11:00

Yesterday we observed a pause in communications to stand in support of the BAME community and the Black Lives Matter movement.

During this time we reflected on the many ways each of us can help in a sustained manner. The list below is not exhaustive and in many ways, listing in this manner can be reductive; however, we felt it imperative to use this space to share resources and information.

 

There are so many ways each of us can help, but here are few:

Education is crucial. The following resources were all suggested by the student community & many are available for free online via the university library. Share your suggestions with us and we’ll add them to this list.

• Why I’m no longer talking to white people about race – Reni Eddo-Lodge
•  Black and British – David Olusoga • Natives – Akala
• Noughts and Crosses – Marlorie Blackman
• Slay in your Lane – Yomi Adegoke & Elizabeth Uviebinene
• White fragility – Robin Diangelo
• The Hate you Give – Angie Thomas
• Dear White People - TV show
• Taking up space – Chelsea Kwakye & Ore Ogunbiyi
• Black skin, white masks – Frantz Fanon
• The Wretched of the Earth - Frantz Fanon
• Texts by Angela Davis
• Texts by Bell Hooks
• 13th - Film

Donate where you can. Do your research & seek out charities that can help. No money? Watch Zoe.Amira’s videos on YouTube to support for free by watching the ad’s before the video.

Avoid sharing traumatic content. While the increased visibility of racism is so important, it goes without saying that, seeing what is often very graphic imagery on social media can be incredibly distressing for the BAME community. 

We're here for you. Our dedicated welfare team are here if you need support. You can reach out to them directly using advice@lancastersu.co.uk.

Reach out to your black friends & family. This is a painful time, comforting one another, offering support and care will make a difference.

Keep on supporting. This struggle is centuries old and will not end with a black tile Instagram post. Only sustained support and radical change will even begin to change the systemic white privilege embedded within our societies.

Consider what you can do. Are you a society exec? JCR officer? Academic Rep? Student with access to innumerable resources? Use your position, whatever it may be, to offer sustained support.

Sign petitions & contact your local MP. There are lots of email templates and petitions circulating online, seek them out and add your voice.

 

Got more suggestions? Please get in touch! DM us @lancastersu or Lancaster University Students' Union Facebook page

 

'it doesn’t matter what it is, as long as you’re doing something’ – Reni Eddo-Lodge