Five Easy Ways To Empower Latinx Social Justice Activists
It is totally easy to feel overwhelmed in not knowing how to help address the social justice issues. However, it can actually be easier than you believe it to be! In terms of Latinx social justice activists, their voices need to be amplified and uplifted more than ever. Latinos are predominantly subject to racism, affected by climate change and are not a dominant voice in activist organizations. Consider the following ways on how you can help empower Latinx activists:
1. Do Your Google Research
It is perfectly normal to not know where to look and where to get started! This is why research is so important and why using Google for your advantage is key. Self growth and awareness can be more powerfully shaped when it comes from an intrinsic place within yourself. Consider looking up keywords, such as “Top Latino Social Justice Activists”, “Latino Social Justice Organizations”, “Latino Activists”, “Latino Civil Rights Movement”, and “Latino Activist Instagram”. These search results will allow you to immerse yourself with different initiatives, programs and activists that will help lead you to where you feel most called to support.
2.Support Their Social Media Platforms
Once you have discovered which Latinx Social Justice Activists you want to support, make sure to invest in their social currency. This means following them on their social media platforms, such as Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok. In this manner, you are able to learn about their personal story, the issues affecting them, the campaigns you should help them support and the ability to spread awareness by resharing their content, ideas and struggles.
Take time to find out whether they have a blog, if they sell merch and if they are seeking volunteers. By staying engaged, this allows their voice to be heard and amplified. Don’t underestimate how much your support means to them. This is especially important when the amount of followers and likes helps build credibility, so the increase in engagement really translates in having a stronger platform to reach more people. Consider the following:
Latina Rebels: Instagram
Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodriguez: Website
Bitter Brown Femmes Podcast: Twitter
Maria Hinojosa: Twitter
The Unapologetic Street Series: Instagram
Queer Brown Vegan: Instagram
Nalgona Positivity Pride: Website
3. Immerse Yourself In Latino Culture
If you are hesitant that you are still not understanding Latinx activists, immerse yourself in their way of life. Consider buying food at local Mexican, Puerto Rican, or Guatemalan restaurants, since this can expose you to the culture you are trying to support. If you are hesitant and unsure on what to order, you can always ask employees to help you. They will be more than happy to see someone curious and appreciative of the food they serve. However, given COVID-19, food may not be an option. But, love for the Latino culture can still be built through music. With the considerable time spent at home, this music can softly remain in your consciousness. It can expose you to different rhythms, ballads and artists which can help evolve your empathy to Latino people.
Music Recommendations:
Selena: Playlist
Pedro Infante: Playlist
Natalia Lafourcade: Playlist
Caloncho: Playlist
Latinx Indie: Playlist
Best Cumbia Songs: Playlist
Food Recommendations:
Tacos
Ropa Vieja
Enchilada De Pollo
Chicken Fajita
Paella
Mole Sauce
Ceviche De Camarones (Shrimp)
Agua De Horchata (Rice Water)
4. Familiarize Yourself With Latino History
To understand the passion and fire behind Latinx Social Justice Activists, familiarize yourself with the history connected with the agricultural labor movement, Chicano civil rights movement and with DACA. Take your time and try to find films and documentaries to avoid getting burnt out from an overload of dense articles and papers. Consider looking up key leaders (which can include Hispanics, don't worry), such as:
Dolores Huerta
Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales
Gloria Anzaldua
Cesar Chavez
Joan Baez
Berta Caceres
Homero Gómez González
Juan Felipe Herrera
Sandra Cisneros
5. Support Social Justice Organizations
Make sure to follow organizations that are supporting Latinx’s in their mission and goals. Make sure they are a good fit for you and are in alignment with your values. It is really important you find one organization you will be loyal and committed to versus casually following a bunch on social media. Intention is everything so start small. Consider joining forces with the following:
Voto Latino: Website
Chicanos Por La Causa: Website
United We Dream: Website
Hispanic Heritage Foundation: Website
Grassroots Leadership: Website
Latino Equality Alliance: Website