In light of largely publicized recent, unthinkable, racial based killings in the USA, I have been overwhelmed by emails and calls from people of all races and walks of life asking our organization, SupportBlackCharities.org (SBC), “How can I help? How can I get involved?”
I initially directed them to SBC’s online directory where they could find an area they are passionate about and target an organization to support. I was then challenged to further explain how this influx of help and desire to get involved would directly affect the change desperately sought by the black members of our communities. I had to think about this one.
It took the COVID-19 pandemic and widespread Anti-Racism protests to give me a different perspective and clarity on my personal purpose, SBC’s purpose and the role of black charitable organizations worldwide.
Countless black charitable organizations were created as a response to the widespread collateral damage of racism and inequality in several sectors of society, such as the justice system, education, health, economics, immigration, religion, arts and sports. Many were founded by volunteers who went through an experience and reacted by creating charities, not-for-profit or community organizations to help others going through similar experiences.
The extent of the collateral damage is clearly illustrated in this Instagram post by @theslowfactory outlining the 4 hidden dimensions of racism: Institutional, Structural, Interpersonal and Internalized.
I had never before seen racism described that way.
It is within these 4 dimensions that numerous black organizations often operate. By bridging the gap between unequal practices, they serve their constituents by:
- sharing important resources
- raising awareness on specific issues
- providing essential services and counseling
- supporting individuals experiencing adversity
- celebrating our culture through arts and history
Here are a few examples:
SisterReach – equal opportunity and justice for women’s reproductive and sexual health – USA
Diverse International Women of Color – scholarship for woman of color to study abroad – USA
Girls for A Change – teaching young girls specific critical leadership skills – USA
The Hidden Genius Project – training and mentoring black male youth in technology and entrepreneurship – USA
Career Education Empowerment – advancing career development and job readiness – Canada
Diversity in Aquatics – promoting swimming, water safety, and healthy aquatic activities – USA
Generation Chosen – managing emotional intelligence and mental health – Canada
SupportBlackCharities.org emphasizes that there are many ways to support and get involved with a black charitable organization: volunteering, financial contribution, in – kind donations or using the power of social media to raise awareness about issues affecting the community.
As individuals, we can effect change through education and compassionate conversations to start to learn and understand each other’s viewpoints and shared experiences.
In my personal view, a good start would be to add Black and Natives/Indigenous History to North America’s school curriculum.
When we’re supporting a black charitable organization, we’re contributing to the people on the ground who are working towards eradicating racial inequality along the 4 dimensions of Racism. Our contribution is needed, valuable and necessary.
By integrating the 4 dimensions of racism to their work and advocacy, black charitable organizations and individuals can reinforce their role in society to counteract racist practices, respond to inequality and level the playing field. We, organizations and individuals, must focus on thoroughly defining our goals, clearly expressing our needs as well as show factual results of the impact of our work to incite compassion for our cause. This will lead to more individuals contributing to our efforts.
Together, we can spur change in our communities on many levels by openly initiating new conversations and effectively executing our organization’s objectives.
United we stand, divided we fall!