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White people: Centering Black voices is critical, but this DOES NOT mean we RT a few statements we approve of and then do nothing else. Listening does not mean that we stand aside as Black folks shoulder all the work.
What will YOU *DO* this week to dismantle white supremacy?
What will YOU *DO* this week to dismantle white supremacy?
A few ideas:
1. Donate to bail funds, either directly or to a pooled fund. It was great what we did for the Minnesota Freedom Fund last week, but people were arrested across the country this weekend. https://secure.actblue.com/donate/bail_funds_george_floyd
1. Donate to bail funds, either directly or to a pooled fund. It was great what we did for the Minnesota Freedom Fund last week, but people were arrested across the country this weekend. https://secure.actblue.com/donate/bail_funds_george_floyd
2. Donate to a Black-led organization fighting for justice. There are national groups which you can support and some have local chapters you can donate to directly. https://www.showingupforracialjustice.org/black-led-organizations.html
3. Learn about efforts to reform police policy in America. Specifically research what is and is not happening in your community. Support efforts to reform by contacting your local elected officials, donate to local groups. https://www.naacp.org/campaigns/pathways-police-reform-community-mobilization-toolkit/
3. Register to vote & show up on election day, including primaries. Research the ENTIRE ballot - sheriff, district attorney, judges, etc - and make sure the candidates are centering racial justice. Down ballot offices are so important for real change on a local level.
4. Do some reading. Don't just stop at that one classic text you read in college. Read other authors, update your knowledge with contemporary thinkers. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/29/books/review/antiracist-reading-list-ibram-x-kendi.html
5. Actively challenge your own racism. All white people have been cultured with white supremacy. Do something about your problematic thoughts, impulses & prejudices. There are resources and tools to help you fight your implicit biases. https://www.racialequitytools.org/act/communicating/implicit-bias
6. If you're an academic, audit your research program. Are there ways you can use your work to effect change? Measuring and reporting racial disparities is not enough & in many cases is counterproductive. This thread from @irisdelistmo is a start. https://twitter.com/irisdelistmo/status/1267161674961821697?s=20
7. Again, directed at academics, but this applies to all: ask yourself why there are so few tenured Black faculty & even fewer in leadership positions (chairs & deans). Challenge your institution to do better. Make space. Advocate for, support, and lift up Black students and ECR.
I'll end this thread by just admitting that I am also trying to figure this out as I go. I don't have the answers. If I got something wrong or if I missed something important, please share.
