Let me preface this by saying: posting a black square in solidarity with Black Lives Matter is not enough. I know that. But does that mean we shouldn’t do it? Does that mean we should have spent yesterday continuing to flood the feeds of social media with peony arrangements, #WFH outfits and food flat lays?

A barrage of black squares hit Instagram yesterday with one simple but efficacious hashtag: #BlackoutTuesday. People across the world were vowing to stay silent on social media for the day as a visual symbolisation of putting a pause on self-promotion to honour black lives and amplify black voices.

As much as the social media movement was meant to be a well-intentioned protest against racial inequality and police brutality, many rendered it nothing more than a guilt-quenching public demonstration that will be forgotten about by next week.

Listen, I get it. When prior actions haven’t exhibited the same kind of unity – i.e. when white people release declarations of support when never before have they seemed to practice what they preach – , it’s very easy to believe that the original purpose of the movement has been lost.

But at the end of the day, change starts with awareness and acknowledgement. I believe the sea of black squares on Instagram sent a powerful message that cannot be ignored, and as Cosmo continues to create content that challenges the status quo, I assure you that we will not simply go back to “business as usual”. 

Ultimately, it will be our actions that speak louder than the performative content we post online. So, with that in mind, here are several things you can do besides post on Instagram…

Donate

Many of the organisations that are dedicated to helping save and advocate for black lives are in desperate need of additional funds, as are the families involved.

Click here to find out how you can donate.

Sign a petition

Change.org’s petition calls on the officers involved in Floyd’s death to be charged.

BlackLivesMatter.com has several petitions running in aid of black people affected by coronavirus. 

Educate yourself

Read, watch, listen. Educate, reeducate and act.

Click here to find out how you can educate yourself about racism.