BLM RESOURCES
BLACK LIVES MATTER RESOURCES
We built NAMED COLLECTIVE on values of kindness, something we feel the world needs now more than ever. We are aware of the opportunity created by having a platform that can be used to elevate & amplify the voices of others. To assist our community, we have collated a simple resources page so that you can easily find ways in which you can help learn about and support the BLM movement.
- Research ☆ Understanding the history of discrimination is key as there is a lack of knowledge and erasure of history in society. Don’t expect those that are oppressed to explain everything to you, movies or documentaries are helpful if reading isn’t your thing !
- Listen ☆ If your marginalised friends do decide to discuss their oppression with you- listen, listen, listen! As an ally, you'll constantly be learning
- Don't practice performative allyship☆ An example of this was during the Black Lives Matter protests in the summer of 2020. Floods of black squares were posted to show solidarity to the movement, but shortly after, not much changed. Being performative means exploiting someone's struggles for your own gain. Even though you may have good intentions with acts such as this- if you want to help, make sure there are real actions behind it.
- Speak up in your own social circles☆ In the absence of marginalised people it's important to speak up and defend them in social circles they don’t have the privilege to access- in the workplace, with your family members, friends. Challenge those who are encouraging the mistreatment of people.
- Show up!☆ Show up in ways that matter- Take responsibility, educate your peers, attend protests & marches, sign petitions and donate if you can !
Whether you want to learn more about the rich history and culture of black people, or you’re looking to learn more about the history of oppression black people have suffered – and the inspirational opposition to it through the ages – there’s a wealth of books and films that can expand your understanding.
Books
‘Women, Race & Class’ by Angela Davis
A groundbreaking exploration of the intersection of related oppressions – how the system works to keep down women, blacks, and workers, all at once.
‘Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race’ by Reni Eddo-Lodge
This book on the reality of structural racism in Britain has shot to the top of the best-seller charts – making Eddo-Lodge the first black author to top the charts in the UK.
‘Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire’ by Akala
Musician, activist, and academic Akala charts the historical legacy of British racism and colonial oppression.
‘Unapologetic: A Black, Queer, and Feminist Mandate for Radical Movements’ by Charlene Carruthers
Exploring the history of black liberation back to the Haitian Revolution, Carruthers appeals to her readers to make black liberation more queer, more feminist, and more radical.
We can recommend https://www.newbeaconbooks.com/ and https://www.thisisbooklove.com/ as black owned bookstores to acquire these books from!
Films
‘13th’ by Ava DuVernay
In this documentary, director DuVernay contends that slavery in the United States was replaced by systemic oppression of black people – through the prison system, the war on drugs, and longstanding police and public violence.
‘The Black Power Mixtape 1967–1975’ by Göran Olsson
A collection of news footage – shot in the late 1960s and early 70s by Swedish national television – that acts as a unique portrait of the black activists at the forefront of the radical civil rights movement. Featuring interviews with Angela Davis, Stokely Carmichael, and Huey P. Newton.
‘I Am Not Your Negro’ by Raoul Peck
This documentary collects author James Baldwin’s observations on American history and racial injustice, including his thoughts on civil rights leaders Medgar Evers, Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King Jr.
Donations will help fund education in young people about race. Building systems and offering support to ensure a new generation of children are raised to be brave, informed and thoughtful about race.
One of the leading national organisations working to challenge all forms of Hate Crime and discrimination of every kind.
Donations help BMM to continue building their mission of leaving a lasting impact on Black mental health, which must be a priority in the fight for equality and welfare of black people in the UK.
-Sign active petitions
-Continue to use your platform to share useful resources
-Use your voice! Start conversations and use your voice to have difficult conversations about racism
-Attend protests and marches to show your support
-Support your local and online Black-owned businesses
-Share and support Black creatives and artists
-Amplify Black organisers, activists and voices
-Continue to take responsibility for educating yourself and understand your privilege
Black History Month is so important because, crucially, it was created to specifically celebrate the contributions of Black people throughout history - when our schools and education systems are still so disproportionate and undiversified in their teaching curriculums!
Fashion Designers
Elizabeth Keckley (1818-1907)- A successful seamstress, civil activist, and author in Washington, DC. She was best known as the personal modiste and confidante of Mary Todd Lincoln, the First Lady.
Ann Lowe (1898-1981)- The first African-American to become a renowned fashion designer. In 1968 Lowe became the first Black woman to own a store on Madison Avenue; today, her work is exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Zelda Wynn Valdes (1905-2001)- An American fashion designer and costumer. At the apex of her career, Valdes made clothes for Ella Fitzgerald and Maria Cole, Nat King Cole’s wife. In 1948 she opened her own boutique.
Willi Smith (1948-1987)- Willi was a streetwear pioneer with a brand ahead of its time, mixing elements of relaxed fit sportswear with the high-end tailoring. Smith was the first designer to house womenswear and menswear under the same brand.
Joe Casely-Hayford OBE (1956- 2019)- British fashion designer whose work helped shape a new kind of British culture and international style for the 21st century. Beginning in the mid-1980s he established his reputation as one of the UK's most respected and consistently relevant designers.
We also wanted to shine a light on some Black creators doing amazing things right now, so we’ve pulled together a list of some people we think should be in your ‘followed’ section !
Black Artists
Jadé Fadojutimi - @jadefadojutimi
Olivia Sterling - @ oliviaster
Michaela Yearwood-Dan - @artistandgal
Emily Moore - @emily.moore7
Sola Olulode - @solaolulode
Podcasts
You HAVE to give these podcasts hosted by some of our fave Black creators a listen!! Full of goodness and wise words:
Diary of a Ceo - @steven
The Receipts Podcast- @thereceiptspodcast
90s Baby Show - @90sbabyshow
3 Shots of Tequila - @3shotsoftequila_
Who We Be TALKS_ - @whowebeuk
Black Creators
Year round, following Black creators and influencers and making sure the news cycles and people that you follow offer varied perspectives is super important! Here are some Black creators and influencers that we love:
Black-owned Businesses
Year round, following Black creators and influencers and making sure the news cycles and people that you follow offer varied perspectives is super important! Here are some Black creators and influencers that we love:
Dark Sugars - @darksugars
My Runway Group - @myrunwaygroup
Bohemia Place Market - @bohemiaplacemarkets
Xis Nails - @xisnails
Farai London - @farailondon