We all want change.
There are lots of ways, big and small, that we can make a difference...voting for candidates who align with our views, signing petitions to help put our weight behind movements we're passionate about, watching, recommending, and discussing movies about racial injustice, reading books on Black History and other works by diverse authors, and supporting Black-owned businesses, both locally and online.
Our team put together this page to be a community resource. Below you'll find a list of things we can all do to effect change and information to help make it happen.
VOTE
The General Election will take place Tuesday, November 3, 2020
As the 2020 election season heats up, voters across the state are already researching their candidates, their policies and positions. With the general election coming up fast, it's a good idea to check your registration status, or even get registered for the first time so you can vote in this year's presidential election.
To be eligible to vote in Texas, you must be:
- A United States citizen
- You are a resident of the county where you submit the application;
- You are at least 17 years and 10 months old, and you are 18 years of age on Election Day.
- Not imprisoned or on parole for a felony conviction (you may be eligible to vote if you have completed your sentence, probation, and parole); and
- Not found mentally incompetent by a court.
Here's what you'll need to register to vote:
- Your Texas driver’s license number registration;,
- The last four digits of your social security number and
- Your date of birth.
Check your Voter Registration Status HERE
Register to vote HERE
SIGN
Petitions to make our voices heard
Signing a petition is one of the first action steps when it comes to seeking justice. While it may seem like a small thing, petitions allow for a collective of voices to be heard and make it harder for the messages they are sharing to be ignored. Here are a few you can sign calling for justice for Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and more:
WATCH
Free movies on racial injustice
13th is a must-watch film for understanding America's racist practices from slavery to present day incarceration, Directed by Ava DuVernay, it is available to watch for free on Netflix's Black Lives Matter playlist on YouTube. The documentary combines archival footage and interviews with activists and scholars.
Strong Island is also available for free on YouTube, courtesy of Netflix. This Oscar-nominated documentary explores the murder of filmmaker Yance Ford's brother.
Just Mercy is available to watch for free in the month of June across multiple platforms. Based on a true story, Just Mercy follows young Black lawyer Bryan Stevenson, played by Michael B. Jordan, and his history-making battle for justice. This film focuses on one of Stevenson's first cases to free an innocent man, Walter McMillian, played by Jamie Foxx, off of Alabama's Death Row.
READ
Books on racial injustice and Black history
In the wake of protests against racial injustice around the globe, the best way to educate yourself on these matters is to listen, study black history, read and seek out diverse authors.
Here are some books to get you started:
How To Be An Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
White Fragility: Why It's So Hard For White People To Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo
The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander
Incarceration Nations: A Journey to Justice In Prisons Around The World by Baz Dreisinger
When They Call You A Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Memoir by Patrisse Khan-Cullors and asha bandele
The Autobiography of Malcolm X as told to Alex Haley
SHOP
Support Black-owned businesses in Houston and online
RESTAURANTS
The Breakfast Klub: Great food and a soulful atmosphere. Founded in 2001 by Houstonian Marcus Davis.
Kulture: Marcus Davis's "urban komfort kitchen", located downtown at Avenida Houston.
Turkey Leg Hut: Originators of the world famous stuffed turkey leg, owners Lynn and Nakia Price turned their hobby into one of Houston's hottest restaurants.
Bee Fit Foods: Founded by Billyssia Pierce, Bee Fit Foods aims to make meal prepping easier so you can live a healthier, more nutritious lifestyle.
Burns Original BBQ: Founded by Roy Burns Sr., this Acres Home favorite has been serving incredible food for more than 40 years.
Neyow’s Creole Café: Bringing a taste of New Orleans to Houston.
PERSONAL CARE
Stay True Hair Care Products: Navy veteran Keyanna Alexander is the owner and manufacturer of Stay True Hair and Scalp Sealant.
OOO Polish: Unique nail polish colors that radiate on every skin tone.
Klassic Kutz & Salons: Hair cuts for men and women.
Camellia Alise: Selling natural skin care products. Founded by Lyndsey Brantley in 2016.
TECHNOLOGY
NerdsToGo: The League City franchise location offers 24/7 support for all Microsoft and Windows products, plus nearly all Apple products (including iPods, iPhones, iPads, Macbooks, and more).
FASHION/CLOTHING
Random & Chic: Women's vintage clothing, shoes, and accessories.
Africa On My Back: Kente print backpacks and more.
I’MarE Boutique: An online women’s clothing store.
NCMPRBL: Fashionable men and women’s watches and accessories at an affordable price.
Sisterly Village: Provides affordable garments and donates a portion of proceeds back to the community.
REAL ESTATE
Niema Alim: Ms. Alim is a native Houstonian with a background in interior design and a passion for real estate.
Great Scott Enterprises: Consultant specializing in real estate investment.
The Watkins Group Realty: Real estate brokerage helping Houstonians buy
ORGANIZATIONS
Support Non-profit Organizations fighting racial injustice, promoting diversity and providing empowerment in the Black community by buying their merch
Photos: Getty Images, Warner Bros. Pictures, Ibram X. Kendi, Facebook/KultureHouston