Through the use of ads, the video ensures those struggling financially are still able to help the #BlackLivesMatter movement.
Zoe Amira is one of many Black creators who are using their platforms to increase awareness about #BlackLivesMatter and the numerous ways viewers can support the cause. One way she’s doing this is through a video, which was uploaded to her channel on 30 May.
The nearly one hour video allows users to contribute through the use of Google AdSense, in case they aren’t able to do so financially or through attending protests. By simply playing through the entire video and not skipping the numerous advertisements placed throughout, viewers will be helping to raise money that will go to support #BlackLivesMatter initiatives.
As Zoe writes in the description, “100% of the advertisement revenue this video makes through AdSense will be donated to the associations that offer protester bail funds, help pay for family funerals, and advocacy listed in the beginning of the video.”
The organisations set to receive funding from the video are: Brooklyn Bail Fund, Minnesota Freedom Fund, Atlanta Action Network, Columbus Freedom Fund, Louisville Community Bail Fund, Chicago Bond, Black Visions Collective, Richmond Community Bail Fund, The Bail Project, Northwest Community Bail Fund, Philadelphia Bail Fund, the Korchinski-Paquet Family GoFundMe fundraiser, George Floyd’s family GoFundMe fundraiser, BlackLivesMatter.com, Reclaim the Block and the ACLU.
Included in the video’s description is a list of petitions viewers can sign as a way to further show their support and offer help to others.
Throughout the video, Zoe spotlights Black creators who are making a name for themselves in a whole host of fields, including art, spoken word and music. Much of what is shown is incredibly powerful, and it’s a collection of work that only touches the surface of what the Black community is capable of – it’s just not given the attention it rightfully deserves.
The video kicks off with an emotional spoken word piece by actress Jenifer Lewis, titled Take Your Knee Off My Neck, which really makes viewers reflect on the protests currently happening across the United States and throughout the world.
Numerous Black music artists are showcased throughout. From pop to rap, numerous genres are shown, and the talent is ridiculous! Mayyadda, Cedric St Louis, Nyota Parker, Jay III – to name a few – are artists who deserve more recognition, with talent that has yet to see its full potential.
There are many within the Black community who are taking this time to share their personal thoughts on not only #BlackLivesMatter, but how society has trained them to think of themselves as people. Nick Daly had previous questioned whether he should discuss such topics on social media, but decided to do so in light of what’s occurred. He explains in a video that he’s felt as though he needs to alter his behaviour in order to fit into the world around him and achieve the things he’s wanted to. “In order to be valued and heard, I have to leave my identity outside of the room,” he shares, before explaining that this is the wrong way to go about things and that, instead, we should be promoting colour awareness and celebrating what makes each person different.
Art and photography is also showcased throughout the video. There are so many talented artists out there who are using their skills to not only raise awareness, but to make a name for themselves and show everyone they’re more than just the colour of their skin. From Krystal-Flora Dureke and Rebecca Brown, to Aliyah Nadal, Lisa Paravano, Ashley McCrea and many more, we need to shoutout these artists and give credit where it is due.
We want to end this Spotlight discussing one of the most impactful moments from the video: Rachel McBride‘s dear america, black lives matter. A spoken word piece about what it’s like to be a Black woman in America, it’s a strong call to action for things to change and for the removal of the systemic racism that has been present throughout history and modern times. She shares how she fears judgement, backlash and death, all at the hands of hate, and feels that the colour of her skin invalidates and discredits her accomplishments.
She then discusses the Black men who have died at the hands of racism and police brutality. “I’m not angry,” she says. “I’m rather sad, and tonight I cry for my Black men. My Black men who try so hard to be somebody. Who hold themselves and play knight, only to end up being pawns.” Despite what some in society try to make them out to be, she and everyone else sees them as kings.
We’re glad videos like these are being made. We understand not everyone is in the position to give financially or to attend protests, but by doing small things like signing petitions and watching videos like this, contributions can still be made toward making a permanent change.
Those looking for more ways to get involved can do so via this resource, while similar videos can be located through this Twitter thread.
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