Sharing support of anti-racism campaigns is important.
But so is listening to the words, learning about the struggles, and engaging with the art of those who have experienced discrimination and oppression first hand.
So, in order to educate ourselves a bit better on the systematic racism currently at work within our societies – and to support the people of colour living and working in them – why not update our Instagram followings?
Activists, authors, and human rights groups: here’s a list of eight Instagram accounts that are sure to give us a a better understanding of racism and the black experience.
1. Munroe Bergdorf
Activist and model Munroe Bergdof has been at the helm of LGBT+ people of colour rights for years, and now she’s continuing to use her platform to raise awareness for black experiences and the injustices still felt by so many so regularly.
This week alone, Munroe has shared resources for helping George Floyd protesters in the UK, a guide to white privilege, and her thoughts on yesterday’s #BlackoutTuesday.
Worth a follow this week (and every week), for sure.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CAfa4F0AgqZ/
2. MERJ Ireland
The Migrants and Ethnic-minorities for Reproductive Justice have been fighting for rights for abortion rights for women of colour in Ireland for years.
Recently, however, their attention has turned to the Black Lives Matter movement and the subsequent demonstrations against racism in Ireland.
The group have been busy sharing resources to support the campaign against racism in Ireland, as well as information and safety measures relating to upcoming protests.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B5VL6F6nsIr/
3. Reni Eddo-Lodge
Author of the incredibly important Why I’m No Longer Talking To White People About Race, Eddo-Lodge has recently returned from a social media hiatus to contribute to the fight against racial injustice.
Her book concerning structural racism in the UK has understandably seen a surge in sales over the past week, with many book shops selling out entirely.
Until you manage to bag yourself a copy, you can follow Eddo-Lodge across her social media, including Instagram.
Alternatively, you can follow Reni on Twitter here.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CAz1P1ihBDy/
4. Black Pride Ireland
A new movement for black queer people in Ireland, Black Pride aims to nurture and protect its members by hosting talks, lectures, and workshops concerning the black queer experience in Ireland.
Recently, they have been working to support their own members in the fight against racism in Ireland. They have also been fundraising for masks, hand sanitiser and other protective gear to be handed out at any future protests.
“These donations will help us stand in solidarity with our Black siblings in the States and across the globe, and to realize historic moments in queer Irish history,” they say.
You can support their fundraiser here.
View this post on Instagram
5. Candice Brathwaite
Writer, presenter, and founder of Make Motherhood Diverse, Candice Brathwaite is a ‘mummy blogger’ with a difference.
Sharing her own experiences of parenthood, Candice wants to make motherhood more diverse, while also opening up a space for depictions of parenthood that are actually representative of regular people and, of course, people of colour.
Her first book, I Am Not Your Baby Mother, was released this year. It’s currently sold out, but listen, it’ll be back in stock soon. Follow her in the meantime.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CA9uAOBJlYL/
6. Erica Cody
For the past week or so, Irish singer and producer Erica Cody has been busy sharing resources about Ireland’s anti-racism movement, as well as information about how white people can be better allies today, and going forward.
She has also been sharing updates on upcoming marches and protests across her social media.
Worth a follow to support local black artists, and for regular updates if you’re hoping to get involved in a demonstration some day soon.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CA5yHVwHxA9/
7. Black Girl Fest
A UK based group dedicated to black women, girls, and non-binary folk, Black Girl Fest does what it says on the tin.
A celebration of British women and trans women of colour, the group became the UK’s first arts and culture festival dedicated to the experience, work, and artistry of black women.
Follow their Instagram account for just some of the achievements and creations of British black women, including photography, fashion, and successful businesses.
The second Black Girl Fest is, according to their Insta, coming soon (in 2021).
https://www.instagram.com/p/CAFtWytgg7a/
8. Good Good Good Co
A digital news source dedicated to helping people do good, Good Good Good Co has been playing a blinder when it comes to BLM resources and ally-ship.
This week alone, they have shared links to anti-racist books, resources on how to be actively anti-racist, and tips on how to protest if you can’t physically go to a demonstration.
Worth a read, and worth a follow.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CA6MwflB76v/
Feature image by Ronan McKenzie as seen on Black Girl Fest.
