WE SHOULD BE EDUCATING OURSELVES ABOUT RACIAL INJUSTICE

When studying about the American Civil Rights Movement during my GCSEs, my school taught us that once the Civil Rights Laws of 1965 were passed, that was the end of Racial Inequality. However, they could not be further from the truth - especially after all the injustice now and for countless years.

Growing up, we tend to hold what society believes. As a child, we tend not to question the views of adults as they are our role models. However, as we age, we have a choice about what we want to believe. We have an opportunity to question and change the status quo, and to educate ourselves of this racial injustice. We believe in kindness and help others when in need, so when it comes to race, we should come together as a community and fight. To the people who say 'this is not our fight' - it should undoubtedly be our fight - aren't we all part of this planet?

Think of this perspective: our cells continuously change every seven years; including the cells in our brain. Our brain is easily adaptable. Therefore we can change the way we think and what we want to learn. It is more about whether you wish not to be racist or be anti-racist.

I understand for some of us, who cannot share the exact experiences of Black people, it often feels uncertain and uncomfortable to talk about what is happening right now. You fear that you will say something incorrectly. You may feel more comfortable staying in your comfort zone. However, now is the time for us to stand up. Taking action has led to the arrest of these racist policemen, and we can do so much more. Doing something (whether it is protesting; educating yourself; donating to organisations and charities; signing petitions, or even creating art;) is better than nothing.

I do admit that I am not as aware as I could be about Black history and the injustices they have. Therefore, I am educating myself and will continue to do so - as well as signing as many petitions and donating whatever I can afford to help during this movement. We need to change societal beliefs and federal laws for this generation and future generations.

I have done a little research and have found a few charities, petitions, book and articles and resources to read and to look at:

Charities and funds to lookup