One of the biggest problems with the convo on race is that is makes people uncomfortable.

People by default turn away or pretend things don’t exist instead of leaning into uncomfortable.

Get proximate to black people. *See* their skin. Be uncomfortable with NOT HELPING.

When I say white people need to get proximate, I mean changing *your* narrative as a white person. We spend all our time talking ABOUT black people and their experiences instead of *with* them.

Our stories based on the perception and struggle of being black is *not* the same.

I don’t have every answer to this problem around racism, but bringing these convos up with those who seem so far gone, and enforcing your privilege as a white person is our responsibility.

How?
- ELEVATE black voices
- RALLY next to them
- UNDERSTAND what you’re rallying for

If you don’t have a black person in your circle, you need to change that.

Because until you can do that, you will never be able to truly & deeply lend any compassion to those in the black community.

(Thank you @amelielamont + @TatianaTMac for that word https://twitter.com/amelielamont/status/1192867056967913473?s=21) https://twitter.com/amelielamont/status/1192867056967913473

“There are times when we must speak, not because you are going to change the other person, but because if you don’t speak, they have changed you.” – @withlovecleo

White people, get shit together. Your silence ripples hard. But speak up soon—black people are still dying.

To clarify—and thanks @web and @ChefLaurenOwens for shedding light on where my language is confusing—Your aim should be a circle of black people, not just checking a box of one.

Here’s my clarity of thought https://twitter.com/imcatnoone/status/1266180481873334273?s=21 https://twitter.com/imcatnoone/status/1266180481873334273

Most white people are indoctrinated. I was raised with the most diverse group of friends—from abilities and religions to skin colors and family makeup. That plus a seven year relationship with a black man and I STILL had to learn *so* much.

Everything starts with education.

Much like everything, racism is taught. And so it can unlearned. This is systemic. It will not change overnight and at times it may feel like nothing is changing. Keep going. Learn. Unlearn. Rally. Uplift.

White people: When the chatter about racism dies down, scream louder.