5 Ways to Help Build a More Equitable World this Independence Day
By Team Kwanza Jones
Happy Independence Day y’all! We hope it’s a celebratory and safe one for all our Boost fam.
Freedom is a beautiful thing. For ages, it’s been something many have fought for.
Till this day, freedom looks different to different people. For some, freedom means wealth and getting to kiss their 9 to 5 goodbye. For others, freedom is being able to live without the stress of where their next meal will come from. It’s being able to create better opportunities for themselves and their families. Freedom is people being able to go about their day without being targeted because of the color of their skin, gender or sexuality.
While we celebrate this day, let’s not forget how this country is still plagued with racism, homophobia, anti-immigration, mass incarceration...the list goes on and on.
DO WE GOT A PROBLEM? Uh, yeah, yeah we do! It’s exactly why Kwanza created a Problem PSA campaign and song in 2019 and called out the BS. We may be a “free nation”, but there is no true freedom without equality. Read that sentence again.
This Independence Day, ask yourself, “What can I do to help build a more equitable world?”
Kwanza always emphasizes the importance of making an impact on the world and treating people fairly. We can all make a difference in some way or another. Whether it’s using your influence, money, energy, voice, etc.
Okay, using your money is great and all, but it’s the little things you do here and there that really make a big difference. Be that boost someone needs in their life.
5 Ways to Help Build a More Equitable World this Independence Day
1. Speak Up!
You know the saying, “If you are neutral in situations of oppression, you have chosen the side of the oppressor”? (Shout out Desmond Tutu). When you witness an oppressive situation, don’t stay quiet about it! Sometimes we forget that we have a voice and that voice matters. We all have some sort of platform. Injustice is something we need to fight together, or nothing will ever be done about it. Some people think they can get away with oppressing others and if we don’t speak up, nothing will ever change. Do you think any massive movements and changes would’ve happened in the world if people kept quiet?
Speak up for the oppressed. #StopHate
2. Be a mentor
I’m sure we can all think of at least one person who played a biiig role in inspiring us, consciously or not.
It may feel like a lot of pressure to have someone look up to you, but knowing that your actions can be an inspiration is so fulfilling and worth it. If you know anyone who may need a little nudge in the right direction, help ‘em out! Whether it’s someone in your community, your workplace, or from any walk of life. Even if it’s something as simple as a word of advice. You never know how far it can impact someone else’s journey.
3. Create opportunities
We are very big on uplifting and creating opportunities for others. Kwanza always says, “No one succeeds alone.” Opportunities can be difficult to come by when you look a certain way or were born in a certain place. It’s rough out here! Fairness means that everybody gets good opportunities in life. In an ideal world, that would be the case, so we gotta do our best to build that world. Creating opportunities means making space, because everyone deserves a seat at the table. Put people on! Shout people out. Share your network. Support small and local POC owned businesses. There’s no shortage of helpful things you could do.
4. Educate yourself
It’s all good and well that you can be a mentor and help others. But you’ve gotta make sure you know what you’re talking about. You’ve gotta walk the talk. We’re all for educating yourself on social issues. At the end of the day, YOU are responsible for knowing right from wrong. There are so many wonderful resources online and on social media waiting for you. When you take the time to educate yourself, you silence your own opinions and biases and actually LISTEN to what the people involved have to say. You gotta stay woke and WAKE UUUP to your impact on the world!
Show Up, MAKE. THE. TIME.
Like we said, donating money where you can is amazing, but getting involved? You’re touching lives on a different level. One of the ways Kwanza does this is by hosting fundraiser events like ‘Comedians Unplugged’ by Komen, a Breast Cancer Foundation.
A lot of people will blame their busy schedules for not being able to volunteer or help out in communities. But it’s something you can always make the time for, somehow. Show up for people and operate from a place of love. Netflix will still be there when you get back.
This Independence Day, take some time to reflect. Everything’s easier said than done, but if everyone makes even a small effort to make a difference, imagine how impactful that would be. You can always boost for better, so what are you doing to make an impact?
Stay safe today, eat good and fight for freedom and fairness!
Until next time.
Team Kwanza
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