Demonstrate
Take to the streets. Demonstrate. Riot. Scream. Protest – peacefully or not, that’s up to you. Burn things up if you feel like it. As Martin Luther King Jr. famously stated: “Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.” It’s time to let politicians and policemen alike know that they’re here to protect citizens and their rights, not impose senseless rules and perpetuate endemic and systematic discrimination. And they’ve proven, time after time, that they don’t listen.
When rioting though, you must follow certain rules to avoid police detention or prosecution in the future. As people have been sharing lately on social media, blur people’s faces before posting a photo to avoid facial recognition. That’s basic. Also, go fully equipped with anything that you might need: goggles, balaclavas, hoodies, comfortable shoes to run as fast as you can, water to not dehydrate, etc. And please, have an emergency plan with the people you’re demonstrating with in case you’re separated amidst the chaos.
As you know, riots and demonstrations have spread across the globe, and cities like London, Berlin, Auckland or Toronto have already celebrated demonstrations to fight against racism and anti-blackness – with more actions taking place in the next few days. Get informed on what’s happening in your own city and attend as many events as you can to show your support.