One day this summer, my first in the UK, I was sitting at a Jamaican restaurant in Brixton with my husband. A small crowd in the plaza caught my eye. I imagined a street performer was gaining a captive audience. When we finished our meal and walked to the metro, the crowd had swelled and I realised it was a demonstration. Black Lives Matter was painted across the backs of jean jackets, across posters and hats. I was stunned...
Here’s the thing. I am an Afro Latina and incarceration rates and negligent murders of unarmed African American and Latinos brothers and sisters was a push factor in my decision to move to the U.K. My husband, British, said he could not conceive of raising black children in America. As a woman on a mission to find a safe place to create a family, the thought of what could happen, the thought of all that had already happened and what was still happening in America made me pack my bags and go. There was a place for me in this march.
As we watched the crowds motivating down the road, I felt in my heart that I wanted to get in line and sing with my fellow Londoners, but I wasn’t sure if my husband wanted to do the same. When he voiced the idea of joining in, I hugged him and thanked him and I felt solidarity between my husband and I, my adopted countrymen, my new city of London, my beloved Brixton, together sending all our love and healing energy to our American brothers and sisters.
During these confused and disheartening times, difficult conversations are taking place across the country. Many are left feeling powerless and angry. As we Latinos, take in the media’s coverage, speak to our family and friends, and witness the unfurling of events, let us be reminded that we are not helpless and we can be advocates for our African American brothers and sisters during these sorrowful times.
Here are things you can do to show your support.
BE A DISCERNING OBSERVER
The media has been historically biased when covering police shootings, at times showing unfavorable images of the victims, focusing on victims’ criminal history and looping incidents such as rioting and looting instead of peaceful gatherings. Choose to be aware of media biases that tend to be more polarizing than informative.
TALKING AND LISTENING
Let go of any fear of exploring the topic of race and police brutality. Even if you are not confident about how much you know, just listen and ask respectful questions. Talk to local police officers, political leaders, religious leaders, community members, the youth —ask for their views and allow yourself to be informed as well.
READ
If you are truly interested in learning more about race relations in America try reading the following.
“The Fire Next Time” by James Baldwin
“Between the World and Me” by Ta-Nehisi Coates
“Ain’t I A Woman: Black Women and Feminism” by Bell Hooks
“Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?” by Beverly Daniel Tatum
VOLUNTEER
If you want to take peaceful action, try volunteering at youth programs in the City. Be a mentor and an agent of peace. Volunteer- GOV.UK can help you find the right volunteer opportunity.
DONATE
Many scholarships and funds have been set up for the families of victims of police shootings. Actress Issa Rae organized a family scholarship for Alton Sterling’s family and the goal was exceeded within 1 day.
STOP SAYING “ALL LIVES MATTER”
You may not know this but it is deeply offensive to repeat the phrase “All Lives Matter.” It is quite obvious that all lives do matter but the country is witnessing the senseless loss of Black lives particularly.
RECOGNIZE
We live side by side in mixed neighborhoods and many of us are indeed Afro Latinos. We have more in common than you think. Standing up for Black lives is inclusive of standing up for Latino lives. The object is to save lives and uphold justice, not to divide or vilify.
Maria LUna is a Dominican American journalist living in London
