Raising money and awareness for anti-racism initiatives is a great start, but it's really just a first step in a long journey. Becoming proactively anti-racist is an ongoing personal commitment, and when the hashtags fade and mainstream media coverage moves on, it's important not to lose focus and momentum.

 

We're no experts in anti-racism and inclusion work - while those of us who have personal experience of racism are experts in our own lived experience, that doesn't make us equipped to guide others on their journey towards real solidarity, nor should we be asked to. It's up to each of us, as individuals.

 

Here are a few suggestions to get you started. 

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1. Please check out our Listen while you Bake podcast list. It's comprehensive and there's something suitable for whichever stage you're at in understanding racism in the UK, and how it has helped to shape our history.  

2. Have a look at the feeds we follow on Instagram. Platforms and people like EverydayRacism, The Black Curriculum, The Voice of Colour, Nova Reid and hundreds of others share bitesize information and suggestions regularly. Many have also compiled useful reading and account lists in their Instagram Highlights for those looking to deepen their learning about anti-racism and British history.

3. Tackle the things in your own power to change. Read these 7 truths on allyship from a conversation with British psychologist John Amaechi. True solidarity takes consistency; it isn't performative and may often feel uncomfortable.

4. Buy from and highlight Black-owned and Black-run businesses. Many of these businesses - usually small, specialist organisations - were struggling to access exposure and expansion opportunities well before the outbreak of COVID-19, and research shows they have been disproportionately affected by it.   

5. Wherever you can, please give financial support to anti-racism platforms and campaigners. They've given over a huge amount of their resources, skills and time for free, and you'll often find a GoFundMe or Patreon you can make a donation to on their sites in recognition of their work.

6. Look out for future events from us. We'll be sharing our platform with the activists, campaigners and others who work to combat structural racism, racial prejudice and its many side-effects.