I had plans yesterday to create style content and photograph outfits but with the current state of society and pain Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) and the Minnesotan community is experiencing, it felt wrong. It felt wrong to be writing about my favorite looks, recommending jeans or going on about my day like someone hadn’t just lost their life and that the black and African American community aren’t suffering from racism.
Because it isn't right, the racial injustice of this past week and through history is unjust. I am devastated by the racism spreading throughout MN and the United States but also the selfishness and danger of police brutality. The sad reality is, racism has always been here but most recently becoming visible and exposed. To quote Will Smith, “Racism isn’t getting worse, it’s getting filmed.”
Like many, I am processing all that has happened and holding myself accountable to stay informed. I am hurting, I am grieving, and I can’t fathom why People of Color (POC) and especially Black and African American communities still have to resort to protesting to prove their lives matter. And that is exactly why this is important. The fact that we are still in debate about skin color as the decision maker on whose life matters is disgusting. The color of skin shouldn’t dictate the importance of your life. The answer is in front of us, Black Lives Matter.
Hence, I’ve had a hard time focusing on creating content, it doesn’t feel right. My mind is on the pain our community is experiencing. In an effort to process the racial injustice and reflect on how I can refuel and offer my voice to bring justice I decided to put together my favorite Instagram accounts that have served as a resource. These accounts are my favorite in educating myself on social justice work, reflecting, how to dismantle white supremacy and most importantly, encouragement to refuel and heal when the work itself becomes exhausting.
These accounts serve as my personal source to remain aware, spark my activism and self-empower when making a call-to-action. Writing this was an effort for me to refuel and activate the social justice work I have done and still need to do. However, I want to acknowledge that even as a POC I have the privilege (as an Asian person) to step away and reflect on the hurt of George Floyd’s death. I cannot say this is the same for my Black and African American community throughout this week’s events.
If you are looking for encouragement, education on race and racism, or direction and community during this devastating time, I encourage you to take a look at these accounts:
This account serves as a critical step-by-step resource to dismantle social injustices. Rachel offers information about activism, reflection on current events and tools to create equity.
The Guerilla Feminist’s content is inspiring, fresh, and straight to the point. This account addresses issues on feminism, race, gender identity, and sexuality. This is accounts shares resources through retweets, memes, artwork, and photographs. Highly recommended for anyone looking to reflect on and do more (micro/macro) social justice work.
I love this account because it focuses on sharing advocacy tools and education through a critical race lens. The content is educational, doesn’t sugar coat racial injustices and serves as a call-to-action.
In their account bio, their motto is “We examine the liberating power of naps. We believe rest is a form of resistance and reparations. We install Nap Experiences. Founded in 2016.” It’s a unique page I follow as it celebrates rest as a form of resistance and liberation. The Nap Ministy’s argument is that capitalism has trained our brains to be focused on the hustle and bustle of work and productivity. This makes it challenging to focus and prioritize the self. Therefore, creating a stigma that taking a nap feels like a waste of time. AKA, capitalism. To address this, the Nap Ministry offers guidance and resources to promote rest as liberation. They offer tools and workshops.
On their bio, it states “Stories of activism, change and how people around the world are making a difference.” I recommend this account for staying aware and engaged on international matters of social justice.
Different from the accounts mentioned above, I would say this account focuses on matters of the self and mental health. I included this because the work of social justice is and can be exhausting. Poetry of Dhiman’s content has helped me empower myself, process pain and grow through the steps of healing in the midst of marginalization, oppression and discrimination.
I love this account. Similar to Poetry of Dhiman, it offers words of encouragement and empowerment. Alexandra Elle’s (owner of alex_elle) content serves as a form of making peace with one’s pain, honoring self-love and validating yourself and your experiences. I love this page because it's a reminder, during the work of social justice, that you also matter.
These are just some of the many accounts I follow to educate myself and refuel. I encourage you to check these accounts out and continue to educate yourself and hold others accountable in the fight towards racial justice. With that said, I am always looking to grow and expand my awareness, if you know of other sources (social media accounts, podcasts, blogs) focused on social justice, please comment below or message me. Sending love and don’t be racist.
Other ways to take action in social justice work:
Donate to anti-supremacy work such as your local Black Lives Matter Chapter, Color of Change, A New Way of Life, National Council for Incarcerated Women and Girls. There are so many organizations like these that need your voice and support. Join listservs and take action.
Call your local police department when an injustice occurs. Use your voice. (Minneapolis Police Department: 612-673-3000)
Make sure your voice is heard with critical leaders and decision makers.
Offer support and check-in on your communities who are hurting.
Thank you for reading.
Style. Sass. Spirit.
Keetha, Lately
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