This post contains affiliate links. I will be donating 100% of the commission made to My Block My Hood My City. They are an organization based in my hometown, Chicago, Illinois with a mission to provide underprivileged youth with an awareness of the world and opportunities beyond their neighborhood.
I’m writing this post because I realize as an influencer, I have a responsibility to help others. The platform I’ve been given is a blessing and I will use it to help others in any way I can. This movement should not be a trend and we need to continue to fight for justice and equality. This post was born of me feeling absolutely helpless with my hands tied because of my visa abroad in Korea. I don’t want to sit back and do nothing. The pen is mightier than the sword and so I will be teaching how to help the BLM movement from Korea.
First, I would like to say I am a proud Latina. To my Black brothers and sisters. Tu lucha es mi lucha.
While, I myself have also also experienced racism at the hands of very shitty people in Korea, it in no way compares to the day in and day out struggles the black community has faced. I know I will never 100% understand all that heartbreak, but I will check my privilege and use it to spread awareness and do something about it.
Books to Read
Below is a list I researched about the Black Lives Matter movement. I have actually read Becoming by Michelle Obama and have recently purchased I am Alfonso Jones by Tony Medina. I will also be going through this list this summer and buying more of the titles on it. Reading is the best way to educate ourselves.
- Becoming by Michelle Obama
- I am Alfonso Jones by Tony Medina
- Freedom is a Constant Struggle Angela Y. Davis
- From #Blacklivesmatter to Black Liberation by Keeanga- Yamattha Taylor
- How It Went Down by Kekla Magoon
- Making All Black Lives Matter by Barbara Ransby
- On The Other Side of Freedom: The Case for Hope by DeRay Mckesson
- They Can’t Kill Us All by Wesley Lowery
- The Fire This Time by Jesmyn Ward
- The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
- Tyler Johnson Was Here by Jay Coles
- Unapologetic: A Black, Queer, and Feminist Mandate for Radical Movements by Charlene Carruthers
- When They Call You a Terrorist by Patrisse Khan-Cullors
Where To Donate to Support BLM
Below are a list of organizations to donate to. Many of these organizations help efforts such as LGBTQ+, ending police brutality, posting bail, and much more.
- Black Aids Institute – Dedicated to ending the Black Aids epidemic, they provide high quality direct HIV services and linkage to care to Black people.
- Campaign Zero – They are an organization that uses their voices to call on local, state, and federal lawmakers to take immediate action to adopt data-driven policy solutions to end this violence and hold police accountable.
- Reclaim the Block – Started in 2018 Reclaim the Block organizes Minneapolis community and city council members to move money from the police department into other areas of the city’s budget that truly promote community health and safety.
- The Bail Project – The Bail Project is committed to a future where no human being is ever forced to deteriorate in a jail cell, a future where a more sensible and equitable approach to social issues is possible.
- The Transgender District – The mission of the Transgender District is to create an urban environment that fosters the rich history, culture, legacy, and empowerment of transgender people and its deep roots in the southeastern Tenderloin neighborhood. The transgender district aims to stabilize and economically empower the transgender community through ownership of homes, businesses, historic and cultural sites, and safe community spaces.
- Communities United Against Police Brutality – They are an organization with the goals to create a climate of resistance to abuse of authority by police organizations and to empower local people with a structure that can take on police brutality and actually bring it to an end. CUAPB provides support for survivors of police brutality and families of victims so they can reclaim their dignity and join the struggle to end police brutality.
- Solutions Not Punishment Co. – They are a Black, trans-led and broad based collaborative in Atlanta. Their mission is to restore their community and reform it where every person has the opportunity to grow up and thrive without facing unfair barriers, especially from the criminal legal system.
- Unicorn Riot – Unicorn Riot is a decentralized, educational 501(c)(3) non-profit media organization of artists and journalists. Their work is dedicated to exposing root causes of dynamic social and environmental issues through amplifying stories and exploring sustainable alternatives in today’s globalized world.
- Trans Justice Funding Project – The Trans Justice Funding Project is a community-led funding initiative founded in 2012 to support grassroots, trans justice groups run by and for trans people.
How To Vote From Abroad
Just because you’re abroad doesn’t mean you can’t vote. Voting is fundamental in our society and helps keep those who have power in check. Check out this full list of 2020 State Primaries to keep track of.
My parents recently moved to Texas and I am registered to vote in the state as well. I have already sent in my absentee ballot. One good way to register to vote is via TurboVote. All you have to do is fill in your information and they will send emails with relevant links on absentee ballots, where you need to mail it, and by what time.
VOTE. Because FUCK DONALD TRUMP. Let’s get him out of office.
Petitions to Sign
Here is a list of Black Lives Matter petitions to sign. I have done my best to research as many as possible and draw attention to many of them. Sign them all. It doesn’t take long. By doing so, you can help donate, and put pressure on the authorities to launch investigations to press charges. If there are any more petitions you’d like me to speak up about, please leave a comment below and I’ll add it to the list.
- Free Albert Wilson
- Justice for Ahmaud Arbery
- Justice for Amari Boone
- Justice for Angel Bumpass
- Justice for Breonna Taylor
- Justice for Crystal Mason
- Justice for Elijiah Nichols
- Justice for Emerald Black
- Justice for George Floyd
- Justice for Jennifer Jeffley
- Justice for Macie
- Justice for Marshae Jones
- Justice for Michael Dean
- Justice for Rashad Cunningham
- Justice for Sheku Bayoh
- Justice for Tazne Van Wyk
- Justice for Tete Gulley
- Justice for Tony McDade
- Justice for Zinedine Karabo Gioia
Docs, Series, and Movies to Watch
One of my favorite movies on the list is Where Hands Touch. It’s about a Black German girl growing up in Nazi Germany who falls in love with the White son of a high ranking military official. I cried my eyes out watching it and it shows how beautiful love can be if we give it a chance and accept each other’s differences.
- 13th – Netflix
- American Son – Netflix
- Dear White People – Netflix
- If Beale Street Could Talk – Hulu
- King in the Wilderness – HBO
- See You Yesterday – Netflix
- The Hate U Give – Cinemax
- When They See Us – Netflix
- Where Hands Touch
Black Owned Businesses in Korea to Support
Here is a huge list of black owned businesses in Korea you can support. Below are their Instagrams and a little bit about what they do. If you’d like a full list you can go to the website Black Owned Business in Korea.
Anxiety And Kimbap
This is a wonderful enamel pin company inspired by Korea and pop culture. If you’ve lived in Korea or you simply love Korean culture, you HAVE to have one of these pins on your bags and clothing.
Black Lives Matter Korea
They are a community of passionate individuals in support of the Black Lives Matter in Korea and abroad. Currently, there’s a Black Lives Matter photo protest going on in Korea. You can order a t-shirt and mask here. Be sure you use the hashtags #blacklivesmatterkorea #흑인이생명도소중하다코리아 #조지_플로이드 #숨막합니다#GeorgeFloyd.
BBLK Moms Collective
They are a collective dedicated to black moms of multicultural Korean families in South Korea.
Discover the Collective
Discover the Collective seeks to bring underrepresented artists from different fields together, giving life to their work in a spirit of inter-sectional collaboration
Christine’s Candle Co.
They are a small home based candle business creating the best hand made products possible. The company was named after the founder’s mother who was a beautiful soul who cared deeply for everyone.
Dominique Marie
She is Korea’s first plus size Black model.
Fame Creators Network
They represent creators in all genres including fashion, music, art, and entertainment.
Happy Place Desserts
The cakes here are handcrafted from a happy place to take to your happy place. It’s hard not to want to order a cake right now after browsing the website and Instagram feed!
Honey Hair Korea
Located across from Camp Humphrey, Honey Hair Korea is a beauty supply store for expats.
Hustle Itaewon
They are a hiphop rooftop bar located in Itaewon. Go there for good vibes, jams, and people.
JJ’s American Diner
Serving some breakfast up to you all day every day, I’m ready to go eat at JJ’s Diner right now. Give me all the pancakes and eggs!
Royal Elegancia Cakes
Looking at her feed made me super hungry and wanting to eat a delicious cake! She makes beautiful and custom cakes.
Seoul Cosmetic Surgery
Seoul Cosmetic Surgery specializes in medical tourism and help our clients to find the best plastic surgeons and hospitals for their needs. We are government licensed and work with only the best doctors and hospitals in Korea.
Songtan Mugs
Jason V. Holmes is a military and black entrepreneur located here in South Korea.
The Dead Poets
They are a restaurant and bar located in Seoul. They often feature live music and crafts.
Black Organizations in Chicago
Chicago is my hometown. I was born there. I grew up playing along the lake, watching White Sox games and Blackhawks Game. I feel like this post wouldn’t be complete unless I paid tribute to my home. From the bottom of my heart, I feel helpless and I wish I could be there with the protestors making a difference. Chicago is a city near and dear to my heart so I’m going to give a voice to my favorite organizations. You can also click on this article here on how to support the black community in Chicago right now.
Chicago Birthworks Collective
They are an organization for helping prenatal and postpartum families of color. They bring all the birth and mama-baby services they desire and deserve!
Chicago Freedom School
Financial contributions to Chicago Freedom Schools helps them implement youth leadership and social justice education programs including program essentials like food, supplies, transit passes, youth stipends, and more.
My Block My Hood My City
Right now they have a small business relief fund that his helping the repair of small businesses that have been graffitied, looted, an destroyed due to out of state looters. They also have an explore program that helps seniors get supplies they need during the COVID-19 pandemic. And my favorite part? They also have an explorers program that helps teens from underprivileged communities explore the beautiful city of Chicago. Did I mention their apparel is super cute, helps a good cause, and has the Chicago stars on it?
I hope this blog post will help you support black owned businesses in Seoul and Korea. The Black Lives Matter movement is revolution. We are living in history. Be a part of the change you wish to see. The future is bright and it starts with each and every one of us. Let’s do this!
Tu lucha es mi lucha.
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