February is #blackhistorymonth : What I’m learning to do as a non-Black mixed POC. This post was inspired by Mikhaela Connell’s article for Greenpeace.
Ella here (CU’s social media coordinator)
As a non-Black mixed Euro-Canadian and Korean POC, I definitely want to look for opportunities for solidarity between Indigenous, Black and POC communities, however it’s important to take the time to learn about the distinct histories of Black Communities in North America, Canada and BC and to uplift and provide reparations to Black members of our communities.
We want to express our appreciation for the Black educators, activists and community members who take the time to educate us. Please give the organizations we listed here a follow as they are doing amazing work and if you have any other organizations, artists, youth, etc. you want to highlight, drop us a comment below 
ACTIONS
Follow + fund + support Black organizations
@vanblacklibrary
@vancouverblacktherapyfund
@blackvoidubc
@hogans.alley
@legacygrowerscollective
- Learn about important Black historical figures and events from Black educators and sources, rather than the watered down versions that are often presented in history textbooks or through western media
- Learn about the origins of core concepts like intersectionality and environmental racism that came from Black activists and academics that have been co-opted by governments and academic institutions
- Learn about local history, for example by learning about Hogan’s Alley in Vancouver and looking at resources provided by the BC Black History Awareness Society and Victoria Black People’s Society
- Reparations are needed. See if any Black community member or Black-centred organization is asking for funds. Especially consider giving reparations to anyone who has taken the time to educate you or anyone you know. Many Black activists and educators take on this labour for free, even though anti-racist work is exhausting and time-consuming.
- Invest in Black futures, youth, artists, musicians, and culture without claiming it as our own.
- Look for opportunities for solidarity between Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour, without comparing or conflating traumas and experiences.
