Lighten Someone’s Load by Giving Back

Fight racism by helping others

“…racist thought and action says far more about the person they come from than the person they are directed at.” ― Chris Crutcher, Whale Talk

People who are racists are hateful and intolerant. They are unkind and disrespectful of people who are different than themselves. They make the world more difficult for others. They make the load that others have to carry in life heavier and harder to bear. Racism is all too prevalent.

There are many people of privilege in the United States who may be looking for ways to help with the racial tensions which currently exist in the country. Or they may not care. Racial problems and inequity are nothing new. They have gone on for decades and centuries of time. It may be time for more people who have found some measure of success in life to help others by giving back. Instead of just protesting, giving back (or paying it forward) can lighten someone’s load.

The focus is on African American people now as it should be, but there are also White people and other ethnicities who are suffering. They could all use some help. Everyone has problems, and some people are carrying a heavy load. The load could be lightened by more people who are able being willing to give back.

Although there are many successful Black multi-millionaires, there are many other Black people who are dealing with racism on a daily basis. They face racism possibly at every turn. Young Black men especially are subject to suspicion and unfair treatment by police officers and by ordinary citizens. Black women are also targeted and unfairly suspected of wrongdoing.

More people are speaking out and condemning racial inequality and injustice being perpetrated against Black men, women, and children. The peaceful protests are bringing more solidarity among all races of people. White people have come out in full force in the peaceful protests against racism and discrimination of Black people. Perhaps some meaningful changes will finally occur to bring more equity to life.

People may be wondering how they can lighten the load and help with the problems of racism which are often hindering the progress of Black people. Celebrities are talking about helping with the issue of racism. It will take a LOT of concerned people working together to make a significant difference and improve the conditions which have existed for too long. We can all help in some small way even if it is just by showing support.

The deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Manuel Ellis, Trayvon Martin, and countless others were untimely and unnecessary. They surely did not expect their names to go down in history for horrific acts of violence against them by the police or by civilians. Although everyone in the world will go through the process of dying at some time, it should not happen to healthy Black people simply because of racism.

People in all walks of life are trying to help with the racial problems hurting society. Helping young Black people attend college is an important way to help if possible. The richest Black person in America is a billionaire man named Robert Smith. He has given out scholarships and internships and paid off student loans for deserving young people.

Michael Jordan, who is also one of the Black billionaires in America, is giving $100 million to help in the current movement. He sues when people try to steal his brand, and he donates the proceeds to support the kids of Chicago because he says they are the city’s future.

Bill and Melinda Gates regularly give to minority causes as do many others.

People are giving either publicly or anonymously. With all the truly rich people in the world, there should be a huge outpouring of financial help which could go a long way in relieving some of the racial problems of young Black people. Although racism sometimes affects rich people as well as poor people, giving more of those who need help a chance to get an education will help fix some of the problems.

The deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor have caused celebrities to come out against racism. White people in positions of influence are speaking out and donating to the cause of racial equality. They are pledging to take action against systemic racism.

Although the recent cases of unjust police brutality against Black people have been widely publicized, there is also a general problem in society. There are still many people who have racist tendencies who are too quickly prone to act negatively toward Black people simply because of the color of their skin.

To a lesser degree, Latino Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans, and others who might be perceived to be “different” than the mainstream population have also experienced racism. The mass incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II into American concentration camps was one of the most egregious acts of racism. Racism is being exhibited against Asian Americans who are now being blamed for the coronavirus because racists think they are Chinese.

The issue of racism against Black people and others is nothing new. Blacks regularly receive worse treatment than others. It is time to make meaningful reform a reality and to treat everyone with equity and dignity. Giving people the chance at a better and safer life is a good thing.

A simple way to help others is by giving a small amount to the homeless. A better way may be to donate to scholarship funds to help young Black people or others who may need it to acquire a college education.

There are a myriad of nonprofits which collect money to help the disadvantaged. Many people have more money than they need. Others can spare a little bit to help others. Giving back can help a lot of people.