Written by Emma Hawke
On 25 May 2020, 46-year-old George Floyd was killed by police officers in Minneapolis and the world has had enough. In the days since, the US has erupted in protest against systemic racism within their country. Much of the world has followed suit organising their own protests, including New Zealand.
Social media has been flooded with messages calling for social change. Numerous calls to action have been made, including the need for all Americans to vote in upcoming local elections. And to take part in ‘Blackout Day’ on 7 July, a day where all people of colour in America are asked to not spend a dollar — creating a significant impact on the country’s already thanks-to-Covid-19 dire economy status.
For those of us outside of America, there are ways we can contribute such as signing petitions launched by change.org and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. But, one of the best ways any of us can help through education. Here’s is a list of books that you should read to help us better understand the context of the protests that fill our social media feeds and TV screens.