I’ve been wrestling with how to show up on social media in light of the recent protests and the powerful movement of Black lives matter. It’s been a week of reading blogs and Instagram posts, listening to IGTV’s and youtube videos, and having uncomfortable but necessary conversations. This movement is not about me in the slightest, but I believe that I need to personally check myself and my heart to make sure it’s in the right place.
One of the most powerful posts I saw was by Oh Happy Dani and shared how we need to check our hearts to ensure we are not encouraging racism or even being complacent during this time. Next, it shared that we need to lean into conversation within our households and community. This includes starting conversation, kindly calling others out, and sharing what we have learned. The last step said only then can we start to change the world.
Another way to grow is to learn about Black culture. In the list below, I’ve included some resources that showcase Black culture in various different ways.
There are hundreds of resources out there, but I want to highlight a few that I have found helpful and my community has recommended. Now is the time to educate ourselves, listen, and learn. Also included in this list are Black authors + artists to support. This list is nowhere near comprehensive, but it’s a place to start.
Books
- Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
- I’m Still Here by Austin Channing Brown
- So You Want To Talk About Race by Ijeoma Olou
Movies/TV Shows
- The Hate U Give (George Tillman Jr.) [Hulu]
- When They See Us [Netflix]
- 13th [Netflix]
- Black-ish [ABC]
- Selma Lord Selma [Disney]
- Hair Love [Youtube]
Accounts on Instagram
- Osheta Moore
- Nicole Walters (also she’s getting a TV show, so stay tuned!)
- Austin Channing Brown
- Share the Mic Now
- Oh Happy Dani
- annuity.org
I want to encourage you (and myself) to take time to thoughtfully digest this content and then make change. Whether that is in your heart, your home, or in the world.
Again, this is just a small list and a place to start. If you have resources that you would like to add to this list, please comment down below or email me at sarah@sarahyatesphoto.com.
