You’ve Posted On Social Media That Black Lives Matter, Now What?

If you’re reading this post, I am going to assume that you have posted on your social media that you are in support of Black Lives Matter and the movement behind it. This may have been the first time you posted, or maybe it is the 100th time.  Either way, you may also be wondering, what action steps can I take next?

By posting about your support you have taken place in a virtual protest – and have shown up for your friends but we all know that it can’t stop there.

Educate yourself.

Read, listen, learn. From books to articles, to podcasts, TV + Film, social media accounts, and beyond. There is so much information out there.  Click here for a very comprehensive list of where to start as you begin to educate yourself.  One of our Contributors wrote this moving post with suggestions for social media accounts to follow. Take this one step further and purchase your books from a local black-owned bookstore. Here is a nation-wide list as well. 

Spend your money.

Another way to take action steps is by donating to the many causes that help support the Black Lives Matter Movement.  Click here to find a list of places to donate. You can choose where your money goes – victim memorial funds, black-owned business owners, and more.

There are a lot of locally owned black businesses here in Orange County.  Consider making it a point to frequent their restaurant or use their services.

Cherry Hills Market – Huntington Beach
Laguna Candles – Laguna Beach
Advanced Dental Concepts – Laguna Beach
Creations Salon + Barber Shop – Irvine
Bullock Russell Real Estate Services – Rancho Santa Margarita + Dana Point
Blazing Fades Barber Shop – Santa Ana
Giselle Baumet – Perinatal Education Intuitive Life Coaching Transpersonal Hypnotherapy
Dr. B Plastic Surgery – Yorba Linda
Melanin Girl Decor and Accessories
Bry’s Cosmetics
Moroka’s Southern Delights
Sidney’s Detail of Southern California

This is a constantly refreshing excel sheet for black-owned restaurants in Orange County

The Black OC Chamber also has a list of member’s businesses.

Orange Coast Magazine has compiled a list of businesses and organizations.

Here is a list of LA restaurants.

We also found a list of 100 Black-owned Etsy shops.

And here is a fantastic list of 27 black-owned businesses + brands.

You can also download this app EatOkra to find black-owned restaurants wherever you may be!

Get Involved

Educating yourself and spending your dollars are amazing steps, but we need policies and systems to be changed.  One way to do that is by signing petitions. You can also text, call, email, or write letters to local and national representatives.  It’s also super important that you VOTE!

If you’re ready for more, get involved with your local elections and government.  This is truly where you can make a change that you will see in your community.  Not sure how to do that? Check out OC Vote.  See what elections are taking place and information about the candidates.

From there, contact the social media of the candidate you’d like to help.  They are ALWAYS looking for community members to partner with.

Former President Obama has two resources that can help navigate the next steps.  The tool-kit and Anguish + Action documents will help to not only understand more of why Black Lives Matter is important but also actionable steps you can take.

You’ve posted, now it’s time to act.