Jayy.

Do Yourself A Favor:

Instead of bandwagoning with the people who DIDN’T do research, run to Google and find out WHY Black History Month is in February, the shortest month of the year.

You know about Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Sojourner Truth, Angela Davis, Harriet Tubman, Malcolm X, and etc… Or do you? Uncover facts about our leaders, facts that the history books won’t tell you. Dig deep and grow a little more in love with the people that have given us the chance to be who we want to be here and now.

And while you’re at it, research OTHER Black leaders you know NOTHING about. There are a plethora who have contributed to the growth of this country and outside of it, who have invented some of the everyday items we use on a regular, but whose work goes unnoticed in their name because their work was stolen and distributed by the White man.

Use social media to speak about your trials and tribulations of being Black in America. Make Non-Black people uncomfortable. They do the same to you almost everyday, with no remorse or second thoughts as to how that effects how you live and view yourself. Don’t be afraid to let them know that.

And when you’re done with that, use social media to illustrate the GREAT things about being Black, because there are so many! From our different shades of Brown to our music and to our food and so on, we have so many reasons to live and breathe in our Blackness. Don’t let anyone who’s been brainwashed to believe who we are doesn’t matter get to you.

IGNORE ALL TROLLS ONLINE. Seriously. I’ve seen “Happy Nigger Month.” I’ve seen “Why is there not a WHITE History Month?” I’ve seen, “Your president is Black, stop complaining.” THERE ARE DINGBATS WHO WANT TO GET A RISE OUT OF YOU. Chuck them the deuces and keep living in your truth, my loves. PLEASE. Don’t give them an ounce of your attention. That attention should be dedicated to educating the world on how dope we are, especially the nonbelievers.

Refrain from being Google to others, unless you really don’t mind doing so. When we tend to drop facts, people like to ask, “Where did you see this Do you have proof? I didn’t hear about so and so…” Instead of doing the research themselves, they’ll come to you as if Google is paying you to do its work for them. Don’t go through hell and back to find research THEY should be taking the time to find, if they really care.

IF YOU’RE PREACHING #BLACKLIVESMATTER, DO RECOGNIZE THAT MEANS ALL. Not just Black men. Black women, Black youth, Black elderly, Queer Black people, Transgender Black people, Disabled Black people, Fat Black people, Skinny Black people, Poor Black people… EVERY BLACK LIFE MATTERS. Don’t pick and choose. Don’t allow anyone to believe one life is better than the other.

SUPPORT BLACK ART. BLACK BUSINESSES. BLACK NEWS. BLACK ORGANIZATION GROUPS. There are so many Black artists creating material for US, that represents US. From web series on YouTube to films in theaters to clothing on Big Cartel to art on Etsy to Hair/body goods to make-up services on Instagram… There are sites like The Root, Blavity, and etc. dedicated towards news that revolves around us, that keeps you in the loop. Go out of your way to STAY in the loop.

If there are any Black people being ignorant, posting ignorant things about us, do not be afraid to call them out. A lot of these people are lost, swimming in ignorance, because that’s all they know. Don’t hesitate to give them a piece of reality.

THE BLOCK/MUTE BUTTON IS YOUR FRIEND. That goes without saying.

If there is anything else you’d like to add to this list, PLEASE DO SO! I’d love to hear responses and other ways to spread the Black love.