Showing Solidarity While Apart

Showing Solidarity While Apart

By Carol Wright and Arielle Ostry

On the second day of June, one week after the death of George Floyd, our feeds went black. Countless Instagram users posted a solid black image accompanied by the hashtags #BlackLivesMatter (BLM) and #BlackOutTuesday. While this blackout was jarring and attention-grabbing, the blank screen did little to extend the conversation. So while people across the country enjoyed the ease, efficiency, and meaning behind the black square, we can’t help but wonder how much good #BlackOutTuesday truly accomplished.

It’s not to say that those participating in the blackout and other tagging trends are wilfully messing with BLM momentum. In fact, it’s heartening to see so much activity online and so many users, regardless of their race, wanting to show their support. But with the blackout (an initiative started with the best of intentions) comes a block in information and resources, a lack of reminders to donate, and a break from the injustices splayed across our screens. We need to remember that true solidarity and allyship is more than just a fad. True allyship means that once the protests are over and the dust has settled, people continue to actively rail against racism. It’s about listening to and supporting Black voices and encouraging conversations that have the power to heal communities and enact meaningful change.