They are learning more about systemic racism and oppression and advocating on social media platforms, engaging in nationwide protests, and donating to more social justice organizations. Many of these organizations have been fighting the Black Lives Matter movement since it surfaced in 2013 after the death of Trayvon Martin. Martin was also murdered by an off-duty neighborhood watch cop who was not prosecuted after taking the 16-year-old's life.
Organizations are investing thousands of dollars into creating campaigns and tactics to show where they stand on their solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.
Companies like Band-aid have launched various new colors for their products ( there's also Tru-Colour who did a phenomenal job), and Nike, who does consistent collaborations with Colin Kaepernick. However, the NFL has a history that lacks diversity on their leadership board— the San Francisco 49ers, who fired Colin Kaepernick for kneeling during the national anthem in solidarity with unarmed Black people who are murdered daily in America with no justice.
These acts are all performative to boost each brand's public image, which, quite frankly, is pathetic. Black voices have always deserved to be amplified, and it shouldn't take more deaths of our unarmed friends, family members, and others to be heard.
Although I'm glad white people and non-people of color and their organizations are making an effort to bring change regarding racial inequalities, this energy can't be accepted until these efforts are implemented and embedded into the entire structure of society.
Black people also deserve access to leadership roles within organizations, justice regarding systemic inequalities, and more relief when targeted by hate crimes.
Photo by Martin Tettey at Cape Castle in Cape Coast, GhanaPhoto by Martin Tettey at Cape Castle in Cape Coast, Ghana