Beyond Hashtags: How to Support Overlooked Global Struggles - African American Facts Not Taught in Public Schools

It’s not enough to just recognize that some crises get more attention than others. Real activism requires action. Here’s how you can start advocating for Congo, Haiti, Somalia, Ethiopia, and other neglected struggles.

1. Educate Yourself & Others

The first step in meaningful activism is understanding the issue beyond surface-level media narratives.

📌 How to do this:

Follow independent journalists and local activists from these regions.
Read books and articles about the history of Western exploitation in Africa and the Caribbean.
Listen to podcasts and watch documentaries made by people from these affected areas.

💡 Recommended Sources:

Congo: King Leopold’s Ghost by Adam Hochschild (on colonialism’s impact).
Haiti: The Black Jacobins by C.L.R. James (on Haiti’s revolution and global interference).
Somalia & Ethiopia: Al Jazeera, The Africa Report, and Pan-African scholars like Dr. John Henrik Clarke.

2. Shift the Conversation

When discussing global oppression, don’t let the conversation stop at one issue—bring up the others that are ignored.

📌 How to do this:

When people talk about Palestine, ask: “Yes, but have you heard about what’s happening in Congo?”
Engage on social media: “If we care about human rights, we should also be talking about Haiti.”
Share news and stories that aren’t getting mainstream attention.

💡 Example: If your timeline is flooded with “Free Palestine” posts, add:
“I stand with Palestine, but let’s also talk about the exploitation of Congo’s resources that power our smartphones.”

3. Support Local Organizations, Not Just Big NGOs

Big charities often misuse funds or focus on temporary aid instead of long-term solutions. Instead, support grassroots organizations run by people from these countries.

📌 Where to Donate:

Congo: Friends of the Congo – Advocates for policy changes and economic justice.
Haiti: Haitian Bridge Alliance – Helps with disaster relief and immigration issues.
Somalia & Ethiopia: Horn of Africa Relief & Development Agency – Provides direct aid to affected communities.

💡 Before donating, check how much of the money actually reaches the people. Many large NGOs take a huge cut for “administrative fees.”

4. Stop Funding Exploitation

Much of the suffering in places like Congo and Haiti is caused by corporate greed and Western consumption habits.

📌 How to do this:

Boycott exploitative brands: Many companies use Congolese cobalt for electronics (Apple, Tesla, Samsung).
Support ethical alternatives: Look for “fair trade” labels on coffee, chocolate, and minerals.
Hold corporations accountable: Call them out on social media, sign petitions, and demand ethical sourcing.

💡 Example: If you use a smartphone, understand that Congo’s child labor mines power your battery. That’s a direct link between consumer habits and exploitation.

5. Demand Political Action

Western governments are directly involved in destabilizing African and Caribbean nations. Use your voice to push for change.

📌 How to do this:

Call/email your representatives: Demand they stop funding oppressive regimes (e.g., U.S. support for dictatorships in Africa).
Sign petitions for policy changes: Like banning conflict minerals and supporting African self-sufficiency.
Vote for leaders who have real foreign policy plans (not just empty promises).

💡 Example: The U.S. and France have historically interfered with Haiti’s economy. Push for Haiti’s debt relief and reparations for stolen wealth.

6. Stay Consistent – Don’t Just Follow Trends

A major issue with activism today is trend-based support. Palestine is getting attention because it’s trending, but will people still care about Haiti, Somalia, or Congo after the next viral moment?

📌 How to stay consistent:

Make supporting oppressed nations a lifestyle, not a phase.
Set aside time each month to read, donate, or share updates.
Join local activist groups that focus on these issues.

💡 Example: If you’re already posting about police brutality in the U.S., connect it to police violence in Nigeria (SARS protests) or Haiti.

Final Thought: Make Your Activism Global

If you truly care about human rights and oppression, it shouldn’t be selective. Just as people are passionate about Palestine, we must extend that same energy to Haiti, Congo, Ethiopia, and beyond.

💡 A Challenge for You:
Pick one of these overlooked struggles and spend the next week learning, sharing, and taking action.