LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — The shocking video of George Floyd's death at the hands of a police officer sparked outrage and protests around the world.
"People are tired of it on both sides and people are realizing okay this is legitimate. This isn't about politics, it's right or wrong," said Devine Carama, community activist and musician.
Now, many people want to support the Black Lives Matter movement, but are not exactly sure how, aside from protesting.
Carama says people of all races can take action.
"Community service is huge, more people need to get involved. I think police accountability is important, political accountability. There's a lot of ways for people to get engaged," said Carama.
Carama tells LEX 18 one thing you can do is support African-American owned businesses.On Facebook you can find the Lextropolis Black Business Directory that lists some places right here in central Kentucky.
"Systemic oppression - if you look at the numbers of the loans during COVID-19 African Americans are having difficulty getting loans to help them sustain," said Carama.
Carama encourages his white friends to educate themselves on the history of racism and oppression in America.
He recommends watching the documentary "13th". He also recommends just listening.
"Me and my mother went to breakfast this morning and it was almost 30 minutes before anybody asked what we wanted. It's small things like that we deal with every day as African Americans, that I don't think my white brothers even recognize or know," said Carama.
Carama says you have to be willing to have difficult conversations and speak up if you hear something that isn't right.
Finally, Carama says it's important people take part in the Democratic process. He says everyone needs to vote and contact elected leaders to push for policy change.
"I think from this point on we have to be strategic and take advantage of this passion and anger everybody is feeling. Now what are we gonna do with it? Because I think it's an opportunity because I do believe eyes are open, people are thinking," said Carama.
Some community leaders have also suggested donating to organizations that work to fight racial injustice. As always, just be sure you are researching where your money is going.
