Black Lives Matter....How you can support the movement locally in your city.

Belinda Murry
Jun 11, 2020
2 min read

Support for the movement comes in many different forms. Don't feel pressured to go and protest if you don't feel comfortable with protesting. You can start supporting by first identifying what steps you can take without leaving your home. Call, email, or send a text to your friends to see how they are doing. Emotional/ Mental support goes a long way during this time. It is a very emotional time not only for people of color, but the world.

When you call just extend a word of comfort, listen and be empathetic to the movement. Have open dialogue with each other to gain a sense of comfort on both sides. Keep an open mind because your friend, co-worker, church member, or family member may be on a different page than you. Don't get upset because each person is entitled to their own personal feelings. You will have some valid points and so will they. Leave the conversation on middle ground if you disagree, but still let them know they can contact you to vent if needed.

During the next couple of weeks I will publish a series of blogs that will highlight different ways to support the black community. I am going to feature different black owned business, authors, podcasters and content creators that you can support. Remember, always reach out in ways that you feel comfortable with, but let's talk about how to get started.

First, I recommend visiting www.indyblackowned.com You may surprised to see the range of businesses from eye care, restaurants, doctors, mental health therapist, to seamstress, graphic design or photographers. Not to mention hairstylist, barbers, interior designers, personal trainers, construction workers, painters and nail technicians.

Consider using a business from this lists as a step towards supporting black business professionals. I recommend to still go through the normal process of researching , reviewing references , and comparing prices with other vendors.

If you are looking for a way to start today, in my opinion the easiest method is to try a black owned restaurant. You may not be in the market to get the other options right away, but keep the list handy. If you are in the Indianapolis, IN area below are some of my favorite black owned restaurants to check out.

I will do my best to guide you thru this journey slowly since many don't know how to start the process. First we start with restaurants and in the coming weeks I will help you explore black authors, bloggers, organizations and content creators.

TeeJay's Sweet Tooth (Ice Cream Parlor and Delicious Desserts)

8660 Purdue Road Indianapolis, IN

(317) 744-9764

www.teejayssweettooth.com

Micheal's Soul Kitchen (Live Music and Soul Food)

115 East Ohio Street Indianapolis, IN

www.michaelsoulkitchen.com

R&R Extreme Wings ( Chicken Wings & More)

4361 N. Keystone Ave & 3740 Lafayette Road Indianapolis, IN

www.rrextremewings.net

The Missing Brick (Pizza)

6404 Rucker Road Indianapolis, IN