Combatting wealth inequality for Black Americans—reparations, investing in Black communities, and economic justice—is central to a path toward freedom. There is no racial justice without economic justice. And that means we have to step up.
As a small first step, we’ve compiled a resource guide of ways for you to shop, fund, invest in, and learn about dismantling systemic racism. Join us in doing and being better. Black Lives Matter.
Educate Yourself
Do not ask Black women for educational resources. Instead, buy these books, listen to these podcasts, and watch these films to learn how to dismantle racism and your own white privilege.
Books to Read
- Black Looks: Race and Representation by bell hooks
Black Looks is an essay collection that sharply critiques the way blackness and Black people have historically been stereotyped and portrayed in literature, music, television, and film. Through twelve essays, bell hooks, speaking to white people, in particular, unveils the significance of race and representation and condemns the general exploitation and appropriation of Black culture. - When They Call You a Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Memoir by Patrisse Khan-Cullors, Asha Bandele, foreword by Angela Davis
If you are looking to better understand the Black Lives Matter movement as well as the people who risk their lives by fighting for its behalf, then this memoir which details “what it means to be a Black woman in America” by the co-founder of the Black Lives Matter movement, Patrisse Khan-Cullors, and journalist Asha Bandele is a must-read. - Eloquent Rage: A Black Feminist Discovers Her Superpower by Brittney Cooper
In Eloquent Rage, Brittney Cooper dismantles the misguided notion that a Black woman’s anger is a sign of weakness. Instead, she teaches readers about the difference between rage and respectability and demonstrates the way this ‘rage’ grants women with the strength to not only survive but thrive, in America. - Me and White Supremacy: Combat Racism, Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor by Layla F. Saad
Originally an Instagram-challenge that went viral, Layla F. Saad presents a 28-day challenge that consists of a series of guided reflections regarding what racism is, the ways it continues to be embodied, and the way to begin reconstructing your relationship with white supremacy. Formatted as a workbook, Me and White Supremacy is an excellent starting point for those looking to dismantle their privilege and deconstruct their internalized racism.
Click here for our full list of book recommendations
Podcasts to Listen To
- 1619 hosted by Nikole Hannah-Jones
An audio series examining the history of slavery in America, starting with the moment it all began: May 20, 1619, when a ship carrying more than 20 enslaved Africans arrived in the English colony of Virginia. - Pod Save the People co-hosted by Brittany Packnett Cunningham
A weekly podcast reviewing news, culture, social justice, and politics while honing in on the (frequently overlooked) stories that impact people of color. - Pod for the Cause hosted by Ashley Allison
Produced by The Leadership Conference on Civil & Human Rights, this podcast discusses census, justice reform, fighting hate & bias, judicial nominations, fair courts, voting rights, and more with the aspiration of spurring activism among millennials of color and allies. - Momentum: A Race Forward Podcast hosted by Chevon and Hiba
A discussion on race and pop culture as it relates to advancing racial justice in our policies, institutions, and culture. - Intersectionality Matters! hosted by Kimberlé Crenshaw
A podcast hosted by the civil rights advocate and leading scholar of critical race theory who coined the term intersectionality. Each episode features Crenshaw in conversation with some of the world’s most innovative activists, artists, and scholars and explores a different topic through an intersectional lens. - Code Switch co-hosted and produced by Shereen Marisol Meraji
A “fearless conversation about race” featuring several journalists of color discuss how race impacts every part of society, making every person a part of the conversation. - About Race hosted by Reni Eddo-Lodge
From the author of the bestselling book Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race, this podcast delves into the recent history of America that has led to the political situation we are in today.
Films to Watch
- 13th directed and produced by Ava DuVernay
A critically acclaimed documentary that explores the history of racial inequality in the United States, honing in on why the nation’s prisons are disproportionately filled with African-Americans. - When They See Us directed by Ava DuVernay
A mini-series retelling the true story of the Central Park Five; a group of five black young men that in 1989 were falsely accused and subsequently charged with assaulting and raping a jogger in New York’s Central Park. - Selma directed by Ava DuVernay
A film following the impactful 1965 civil rights demonstrations led by Martin Luther King Jr. which eventually resulted in President Lyndon Johnson signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965. - Clemency directed and screenplay by Chinonye Chukwu
While this film at its surface chronicles the psychological toll on Warden Bernadine Williams carries from working as an executioner on the death row, at its core, it is a raw depiction of racism and injustice within the justice system. - Night Catches Us directed by Tanya Hamilton
Set in Philadelphia in 1976, this film subtly yet powerfully portrays the era of the Black Panther Party and the black community writ large during that time. - Harriet directed by Kasi Lemmons
A film chronicling the monumental life of abolitionist Harriet Tubman; from escaping slavery to “the dangerous missions she led to liberate hundreds of slaves through the Underground Railroad.” - Daughters of the Dust directed by Julie Dash
A movie set in 1902, depicting three generations of Gullah women as they prepare to leave South Carolina, shedding light on the time period’s “Great Migration of African-Americans, survivors of slavery and the descendants of former slaves, to the North.” - Queen & Slim screenplay by Lena Waithe, directed by Melina Matsoukas
A romantic thriller about a couple’s first date gone, it is a commentary on larger issues relating to the deep flaws in our justice system and police violence towards black people. - The Rosa Parks Story directed by Julie Dash
A biopic telling of the life of the civil rights activist Rosa Parks, including how her decision to refuse to give up her bus seat ignited a major civil rights demonstration and greatly contributed to mobilizing people in the civil rights movement.
Additional Resources
- ARRAY 101 by Ava DuVernay
- The 1619 Project by Nikole Hannah-Jones (New York Times Magazine)
- What should we do with videos of police brutality? by Kemi Alemoru (Gal-Dem)
- Of Course There Are Protests. The State Is Failing Black People. by Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor (New York Times)
- The Year I Gave Up White Comfort: An Ode to my White “Friends” on Being Better to Black Womxn by Rachel Ricketts (Medium)
- What will it take for America to understand the pain of black women? by Adiba Nelson (The Lily)
- Black Feminism & the Movement for Black Lives: Barbara Smith, Reina Gossett, Charlene Carruthers (Youtube)
- How do children of color learn to draw themselves? by Melinda Fakuade (The Outline)
- Why You Need to Stop Saying “All Lives Matter” by Rachel Cargle (Harper’s Bazaar)
Donate to these Funds & Organizations
Financial support is critical to movement building. Consider a one-time or recurring donation.
- ACLU (National)
The ACLU Racial Justice Program aims to preserve and extend constitutionally guaranteed rights to people who have historically been denied their rights on the basis of race. DONATE - Black Visions Collective (Minnesota)
Black, Trans, and Queer led legal fund and social justice organization rooted in healing and transformative justice with a feminist lens; official chapter of Black Lives Matter Global Network in Minnesota. DONATE - Bail Funds (National)
A collection of community resources for protestors around the country, created in conjunction with and verified by the National Bail Fund Network. DONATE - Color of Change
The largest online racial justice organization in the country, it designs campaigns powerful enough to end practices that unfairly hold Black people back by moving decision-makers in corporations and government. DONATE - Equal Justice Initiative
Committed to ending mass incarceration and excessive punishment in the United States, to challenging racial and economic injustice, and to protecting basic human rights for the most vulnerable people in American society. DONATE - Fair Fight (National though Georgia-focused)
Ensures fair elections and combats voter suppression. DONATE - Know Your Rights Campaign (National)
Founded by Colin Kaepernick the organization provides education and training in black and brown communities, as well as hiring defense attorneys for anyone arrested protesting police brutality. DONATE - LEAP Action
Founded by Ava DuVernay, LEAP (the Law Enforcement Accountability Project) is a fund dedicated to elevating activist storytelling around police brutality and murder through funding short-term projects in film, theater, photography, fine art, music, poetry, literature, sculpture, and dance. DONATE - The Legal Rights Center (Minnesota)
Provides criminal defense and legal services for low-income people of color in and around Minneapolis, including arrested protesters. DONATE - NAACP Legal Defense Fund
America’s top legal–and first human and civil rights–firm fighting for racial justice through advocacy, litigation, and education. DONATE - Northstar Health Collective
Medics for protesters. The group of nurses, doctors, and healthcare providers work in alliance with mainstream and anti-authoritarian organizations to create safe and healthy events. DONATE - Reclaim the Block (Minnesota)
Invest in violence prevention, housing, resources for youth, emergency mental health response teams, and solutions to the opioid crisis. DONATE - The Movement for Black Lives (Atlanta)
Comprised of hundreds of organizations that coordinate actions, messages, and campaigns, The Movement for Black Lives Fund supports Black-led rapid response efforts and long-term strategy, policy, and infrastructure investments in the movement ecosystem. DONATE - Unicorn Riot
A decentralized media organization that has been live-streaming uprisings. DONATE. - National Bail Out
Building a community-based movement to end systems of pretrial detention and ultimately mass incarceration. DONATE. - Black Trans Protesters Emergency Fund
A fund created by Black Trans Femmes in the Arts. The funds raised will go to support Black trans protesters with resources, medical care, and bail. DONATE. - The Nina Pop Mental Health Recovery Fund
An initiative by The Okra Project that raises money to pay for one-time mental health therapy sessions for Black trans people with licensed Black women therapists. DONATE. - Campaign Zero
An organization that utilizes research-based policy solutions to end police brutality in America. DONATE. - Black Candidates Running for Office in 2020
“If we want to make real change in this country, that change needs to be reflected in our leaders.” Donate to a candidate, a campaign, or voter access group to support the next wave of change-makers. DONATE.
Invest Directly in Companies Created and Owned by Black Founders
Invest in the companies which reflect the world you want to see. By joining one of these funds or syndicates, you can.
- BLCK VC
Co-founded by Sydney Sykes, BLCK VC connects, engages, and empowers Black venture investors by providing a community built for and by other Black venture investors. INVEST - Black Angel Tech Fund
Committed to investing in promising young Black talent and bridging the gap between Black entrepreneurs and investors. INVEST - Black Women Raise
a platform and community designed to accelerate the ability of leading black female founders to raise growth capital, scale-up and create pathways for the women behind them. JOIN - Digitalundivided
Dedicated to making entrepreneurship and innovation more inclusive by investing in Black and Latinx women-led startups. INVEST - Fearless Fund
Invests in WOC-led startups that are seeking pre-seed, seed level, and Series A financing. INVEST - New Voices Fund
Created to empower women of color by helping startup founders from the ground up with dedicated training and support leading their companies to success. INVEST - Kapor Capital
Deeply committed to investing in diverse entrepreneurs with early-stage startups whose business success generates positive change in the world. INVEST
Follow these Movement Builders
Learn from these activists (and donate to their own funding pages).
- Aminatou Sow
Author of Big Friendship: How We Keep Each Other Close, co-host of Call Your Girlfriend podcast, and co-founder of Tech LadyMafia. Follow on Instagram. Follow on Twitter. - Angela Rye
Attorney, Principal & CEO of IMPACT Strategies, and a liberal political commentator on CNN and NPR. Follow on Instagram. Follow on Twitter. - Alicia Garza
Civil rights activist, co-creator of Black Lives Matter, and co-host of Sunstorm podcast. Follow on Instagram. Follow on Twitter. - Blair Amadeus Imani
Queer Black Muslim activist and author of Making Our Way Home: The Great Migration and the Black American Dream. Follow on Instagram. Follow on Twitter. - Brittney Cooper
Associate Professor at Rutgers University, activist, cultural theorist, and author of Eloquent Rage. Follow on Instagram. Follow on Twitter. - Brittany Packnett
National leader in social justice, co-founder of Campaign Zero, NBC News and MSNBC contributor, and co-host of Pod Save The People. Follow on Instagram. Follow on Twitter. - dream hampton
Award-winning filmmaker, executive producer of Surviving R. Kelly, writer, and named one of TIME 100: The Most Influential People in 2019. Follow on Twitter. - Ericka Hart
Black, queer, cancer-warrior, award-winning sexuality educator, and host of Hoodrat to Headwrap: A Decolonized Podcast. Follow on Instagram. Follow on Twitter. - Ijeoma Oluo
Seattle-based writer, New York Times bestselling author of So You Want to Talk About Race, and named one of The Root’s 100 Most Influential African Americans in 2017. Follow on Instagram. Follow on Twitter. - Janet Mock
Bestselling author of Redefining Realness and Surpassing Certainty, transgender rights activist, and host of Never Before with Janet Mock. Follow on Instagram. Follow on Twitter. - Jamia Wilson
Feminist activist, Executive Director & Publisher at Feminist Press, and author of Young, Gifted, and Black: Meet 52 Black Heroes from Past and Present. Follow on Instagram. Follow on Twitter. - Jodie Patterson
Active LGBTQAI advocate, a board director with The Human Rights Campaign, author of The Bold World: A Memoir of Family and Transformation, and co-founder of Doobop and Georgia by Jodie Patterson. Follow on Instagram. Follow on Twitter. - Layla F. Saad
Author of New York Times Best-Seller Me and White Supremacy, host of Good Ancestor Podcast, and globally respected speaker. Follow on Instagram. - Mari Copeny aka Little Miss Flint
Youth activist from Flint, Michigan known for raising awareness about Flint’s ongoing water crisis and fundraising to support underprivileged children. Follow on Instagram. Follow on Twitter. - Opal Tometi
Nigerian-American civil rights activist, globally recognized human rights advocate, and co-founder of Black Lives Matter. Follow on Instagram. Follow on Twitter. - Rachel Cargle
Founder of The Loveland Foundation and The Great Unlearn, TedxTalk speaker “Coming To Terms With Racisms Inertia: Ancestral Accountability,” and lecturer. Follow on Instagram. Follow on Twitter. - Roxane Gay
Contributing opinion writer for The New York Times and New York Times best-selling author of Bad Feminist and Hunger. Follow on Instagram. Follow on Twitter. - Tarana J. Burke
Founder of the “Me Too” Movement, Civil Rights Activist, a global leader in the evolving conversation around sexual violence, and recently a guest on Unlocking Us episode. Follow on Instagram. Follow on Twitter. - Tamika D. Mallory
Esteemed social justice leader, youngest ever Executive Director of the National Action Network, Co-chair of 2017’s Women’s March, and currently co-founder of Until Freedom. Follow on Instagram. Follow on Twitter. - Zerlina Maxwell
Co-Host of the award-winning feminist morning show Signal Boost, author of The End of White Politics: How to Heal Our Liberal Divide, political analyst, and Senior Director of Progressive Programming for SiriusXM.Follow on Instagram. Follow on Twitter.
Shop these Black Women-Owned Businesses
Money is Power. How will you use yours?
Brands carried by The Helm
Fashion
Rebecca Allen founded by Rebecca Allen
Liberté founded by Amber Tolliver
ASHYA founded by Ashley Cimone and Moya Annece
Coco & Breezy founded by Corianna (“Coco”) and Brianna (“Breezy”) Dotson
Beauty
Dehiya Beauty founded by Dr. Mia Chae Reddy
Golden Flourish founded by Racheal Daley
Goodnight Darling founded by Aycee Brown
Matrescence Skincare founded by Raquel Nowak
The Cristalline founded by Rashia Bell
Anne’s Apothecary founded by Anne Suinner-Lawoyin
Golde founded by Trinity Mouzon
Brands on Our Radar
Fashion
Cushnie founded by Carly Cushnie
Brother Vellies founded by Aurora James
Stella Jean SJ founded by Stella Jean
Zaime founded by Zapora Williams
Fe Noel founded by Felicia Noel
Lorraine West Jewelry founded by Lorraine West
Nubian Skin founded by Ade Hassan
Hope For Flowers founded by Tracy Reese
Tori Soudan founded by Tori Soudan
Kahindo founded by Kahindo Mateene
Kimberly Goldson founded by Kimberly Goldson
Of Whonder founded by Carmencita Whonder
Keeyahri founded by Keya Martin
Vavvoune founded by Valerie Blaise
Love Leone founded by Symon Leone
Urdan Celeste founded by Urdan Celeste
Cee Cee’s Closet founded by Chioma and Uchenna Ngwudo
Roit Swim founded by Monti Landers
Rachel Stewart founded by Rachel Stewart
Sincerely, Tommy founded by Kai Avent-deLeon
Wales Bonner founded by Grace Wales Bonner
Hanifa founded by Anifa Mvuemba
Tove Studio founded by Camille Perry
Martine Rose founded by Martine Rose
Lem Lem founded by Liya Kebede
Chalk Jewelry founded by Malaika Carr
Beauty
Beneath Your Mask founded by Dana Jackson
KNC Beauty founded by Kristen Noel Crawley
MyKarite founded by Naana Boakye
Oui the People founded by Karen Young
Mented Cosmetics founded by KJ Miller
Epi Logic founded by Chaneve Jeanniton
Klur founded by Lesley Thornton
Uoma Beauty founded by Sharon Chuter
Skin Buttr founded by Tatiana Elizabeth
Camara AUnique Beauty founded by Camara Aunique
Lauren Napier founded by Lauren Napier
Luv Scrub founded by Caroline Owusu-Ansah
Abe Love Apothecary founded by Aba Gyepi-Garbrah
Play Pits founded by Chantel Powell
Beauty Bakerie Makeup founded by Cashmere Nicole
Bolden Usa founded by Chinelo Chidozie and Ndidi Obidoa
Bekura Beauty founded by Rashida Jefferson
The Lip Bar founded by Melissa Butler
Get Your Nails Did founded by Adrienne Blanks
Gilded founded by Blair Armstrong
Range Beauty founded by Alicia Scott
Yelle Skincare founded by Yandy Smith-Harris
Hyper Skin founded by Desiree Verdejo
Hanahana Beauty founded by Abena Boamah
People of Color Beauty founded by Jacqueline Carrington
Pholk Beauty founded by Niambi Cacchioli
Beloved Box founded by Danie Spikes
Organic Bath founded by Gianne Doherty
Black Girl Sunscreen founded by Shontay Lundy
Plant Apothecary founded by Holly McWhorter
Jade and Fox founded by Ashley Johnson
Bekura beauty founded by Rashida Jefferson
SDot Beauty founded by Stephanie Coker
The Afro Hair & Skin Co founded by Ibi Meier-Oruitemeka
LIHA Beauty founded by Liha Okunniwa & Abi Oyepitan
Josephine Cosmetics founded by Sholayide Otugalu
MakeUp By Sparkle founded by Sparkle Chanel
Mischo Beauty founded by Kitiya Mischo King
Brown Girl Jane founded by Malaika Jones Kebede
Jones and Rose founded by Christie Jones Bird
Kreyol Essence founded by Yve-Car Momperouse
Hair
BrioGeo founded by Nancy Twine
Sienna Naturals founded by Hannah Diop
Curls founded by Mahisha Dellinger
The Mane Choice founded by Courtney Adeleye
Camille Rose Naturals founded by Janell Stephens
Mielle Organics founded by Monique Rodriguez
GIRL + HAIR founded by Camille Verovic
Brush With The Best founded by Felicia Leatherwood
The Wrap Life founded by Nnenna Stella
Grace Eleyae founded by Grace Eleyae
Feminine Care
The Honey Pot Company founded by Beatrice Dixon
Kushae founded by Barbara McLaren
Urban Serenite founded by Catrina Mosby
FemMagic founded by Maat Petrova
Home & Gifts
Unwrp founded by Ashley Fouyolle
Clare Paint founded by Nicole Gibbons
Love Notes LLC founded by Nya Kam
Satya + Sage founded by Sonja Haile
Rayo & Honey founded by Roachele Negron
Effie’s Paper founded by Kalyn Johnson Chandler
LIT Brooklyn founded by Denequa Williams
The Coy Collection founded by Sequoyah Johnson
Denniston House founded by Joilyn Jackson
Bookstores
Semicolon Bookstore & Gallery founded by Danielle Mullen
MahoganyBooks co-founded by Ramunda Young
Harriets Bookshop founded by Jeannine A. Cook
The Lit. Bar founded by Noelle Santos
Amalgam Comics & Coffee founded by Ariell Johnson
Sankofa Videos & Books Café co-founded by Shirikiana Gerima
Loyalty Bookstores founded by Hannah Oliver Depp
Medu Bookstore founded by Nia Damali
Source Booksellers founded by Janet Webster Jones
Café con Libros founded by Kalima Desuze
Sisters Uptown Bookstore founded by Janifer P. Wilson
Pan African Connection founded by Akwete Tyehimba
Pyramid Art Books & Custom Framing founded by Garbo Watson Hearne
Eye See Me Bookstore co-founded by Pamela Blair
Brain Lair Books founded by Kathy Burnette
Food
The Salty Heifer founded by Iesha Williams
Partake Foods founded by Denise Woodard
Beverages
McBride Sisters founded by Robin and Andréa McBride
Adjourn Tea House founded by LaTonia Cokely
Marketplace
BLK + GRN founded by Kristian Henderson
Her Market founded by Jazlin Pitts and Kia Perry
Pretty Well Beauty founded by Jazmin Alvarez
